it's only ice cream

{ blouse: Loft; pants/clutch: Old Navy; cape/bangles: F21; pumps: Target; watch: Nordstrom; nail polish: Revlon Revlon Red }

I thought that when you got married you automatically could finish each others thoughts and sentences. Wait, whaaaaa... you mean that two people who get married can't read each others minds? I had no idea.

Can I share with you a funny example from Friday night?

As soon as I get done student teaching on Fridays, I come home and veg. I usually red box a movie, bake something delicious and exploding in calories, and lay on the couch snuggled up in my favorite quilt. It's heavenly. It's the best way to spend my friday afternoons while Brad is still in Corvallis. He usually gets home from Corvallis around 9 on Fridays. This last Friday, I baked some delicious chocolate chip cookies. I thought... If only I had some ice cream to go with these gooey cookies. Sooo... I call Brad, and ask him if he can pick up some ice cream to go with the cookies.

As soon as he walks in the door, he says, "Babe, I got some chocolate peanut butter ice cream!"

Me, "Oh babe, you did? I thought you would get vanilla ice cream, considering I baked cookies to go in the ice cream. Doesn't vanilla make more sense?" 

Hubs, "You just said ice cream. I can't read your mind."

Me, "Yes, but I said ice cream with baked cookies. Wouldn't chocolate peanut butter hinder the delicious gooey cookie taste?"

Hubs, "No. I don't think it would. I didn't realize it was such a big deal. I'm going back to Fred Meyer and exchanging it for vanilla."

Me, "Don't be ridiculous. You're not going back, it's late, and that's just silly."

Hubs, "You are the one being ridiculous. I'm leaving, and exchanging the chocolate peanut butter for vanilla. French or bean?"

Me, "No! You are being so ridiculous! Don't go back to the store."

Hubs, "French or bean?"

Me, "Ughhhh, are you serious? You're not serious. It's only ice cream."

Hubs, "Yes, but I want you to enjoy your cookies. And, apparently you can't with chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

Me, "Sure I can. I love chocolate peanut butter ice cream."

Hubs, "Well, now I want vanilla."

Me, "Seriously? Why are we so crazy?"

Hubs, "We're not crazy, we just have particular taste buds."

Me, "Nooo, we're crazy. We're weird."

Hubs, "Well, yeah. But I like weird."

Me, "Okay, well hurry home, so we can be even weirder and watch documentaries on Friday night like every other 20-somethings in America. Gosh we are weird."

He went to the store, exchanged it for vanilla ice cream, and we enjoyed a delicious bowl of chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream. Oh, and we watched a great documentary.

is it easy or is it hard?

Most of my weekend was spent tucked away in various coffee shops around town. For the most part, it was spent slaving away on my work study and creating lessons for my unit. I did manage to set aside a few hours of "me time". Those few hours I spent reading the book I'm currently hooked on The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller, and reflecting in my journal.

I'm almost done with The Reason for God, and I have to admit, I don't want it to end! I want to keep learning and gaining spiritual knowledge from Timothy Keller.  This year, I've been challenging myself to ask the really hard questions, to wrestle with those questions, and to not just let those questions roll off my shoulder.  What I've found, is the further I dig, the more filled I become.  I'm never left with doubt, I'm always left with a peace that my God exists, my Jesus is truth, and He is the reason for existence.  It's a scary thing to give yourself over, to let yourself go, to get rid of your personal ideas and agendas.  That's why having a personal relationship with Christ is a scary thought for many.  It's easy to believe in a God and follow a list of "morals" or "good deeds", but to actually surrender all of yourself to God, that's a whole different story.  But, can I tell you, it's so much easier to actually give yourself up, then to try and wrestle and find meaning in what you want to put your identity into. 

"The Christian way is different---both harder and easier.  Christ says, "Give me ALL. I don't want just this much of your time and this much of your money and this much of your work---so that your natural self can have the rest.  I want you.  Not your things.  I have come not to torture your natural self... I will give you a new self instead.  Hand over the whole natural self--- ALL the desires, not just the ones you think wicked but the ones you think innocent--- the whole outfit.  I will give you a new self instead.

The almost impossibly hard thing is to hand over your whole self to Christ.  But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead.  For what we are trying to do is remain what we call "ourselves"--- our personal happiness centered on money or pleasure or ambition--- and hoping, despite this, to behave honestly and chastely and humbly.  And that is exactly what Christ warned us you cannot do.  If I am a grass field--- all the cutting will keep the grass less but won't produce wheat.  If I want wheat... I must be plowed up and re-sown.

If you don't live for Jesus you will live for something else.

If Jesus is your center and Lord and you fail him, he will forgive you.  Your career can't die for your sins.  You might say, "If I were a Christian I'd be going around pursued by guilt all the time!"  But we all are being pursued by guilt because we must have an identity and there must be some standard to live up to by which we get that identity.  Whatever you base your life on--- you have to live up to that.  Jesus is the one Lord you can live for who died for you--- who breathed his last breath for you.  Does that sound oppressive?

If Jesus is the Creator-Lord , then by definition nothing could satisfy you like he can, even if you are successful.  Even the most successful careers and families cannot give the significance, security, and affirmation that the author of glory and love can.

Everybody has to live for something.  Whatever that something is becomes "Lord of your life," whether you think of it that way or not.  Jesus is the only Lord who, if you receive him, will fulfill you completely, and, if you fail him, will forgive you eternally."

{The Reason for God, pg. 178-179}

Isn't that good?

I know we don't all believe in the same things, but if I don't share what's in my life and what's on my heart, I would be hiding my identity.  This is who I am.  I don't feel as though God is a "crutch", in fact, I think the opposite.  I think that it's harder to live a life solely in Christ and nothing else, then it is to live a life for yourself. Why? Because your letting yourself go, you are not your own anymore, you're trusting yourself into the hands of something much greater than you could ever become or this world could ever give you.

I can say that when you finally let go of your own agenda, your own way, you will be greatly blessed and full of more life than you could ever imagine.

Thoughts? 

unfortunate and fortunate

{ vest: [gift] TJ Maxx; blouse: Loft; pants: Old Navy; shoes/socks/belt: Target; watch: Nordstrom; lipstick: Revlon Really Red }

Unfortunate

Please, christian radio hosts, stop saying such corny things. I love the music you're playing, but I can't help but be embarrassed every time you speak. A little less corny, please.

I didn't try on these shoes before buying them. I wish I would have. They are kind of weird looking on my body.

I'm seriously considering ripping all of my hair out due to the amount of stress I'm under daily. My poor husband is seeing my not-so-pretty true colors come out.

I can't seem to get my eyes to fully open. Know any tricks for looking awake after 6 hours of sleep?

My alarm going off at 5:30 am. Really? 5:30? It just doesn't feel right waking up when it's still dark outside.

Weather in the 40s. Okay spring, I'm ready for you. Come early and surprise me with warm{er} weather.

The Green Lantern. Are you kidding me? I feel like I wasted 2 hours of my life watching that movie.

Running out of dry shampoo. Ugh. That's the worst when you don't have time to wash your hair in the morning, and you realize you're all out of dry shampoo. That definitely happened to me this week.

Fortunate

I'm gonna brag about my husband. He bought me an iPod nano! I had briefly mentioned that I wanted something that I could listen to podcasts in the car to and from my trips to Corvallis. I mean, briefly. I am usually a big hinter, but I think I mentioned it once. I mentioned it not because I wanted him to literally buy me one, but because it was one of those things that would be nice... You know... Like having an iPhone would be nice, or a nice camera. I had no intentions of him actually buying me one! Can you tell I'm in shock that he bought me one?

I finally received my Starbucks gold card in the mail. I'm thrilled. I finally have a gold card. I've made it in the coffee world.

It's a three day weekend. Again. So awesome.

Going on night walks with Brad. We've been exploring the streets in our new neighborhood. Isn't it weird walking by someone's house at night and being able to see what they're watching on tv? I feel like I'm intruding... But their windows don't have blinds. I'm not creeping...

Spending last night with my hubs. We watched The Office and Up All Night. Two of our favorites. We ate popcorn with chocolate chips, and at one point spilled popcorn everywhere from laughing so hard. Classic.

All things Valentines day. Especially all things pink, red, and gold. Valentines party anyone?

That moment you realize tomorrow is saturday, which means sleeping in!

The little things... like painting my nails.

My new love for dark chocolate {as long as there's caramel with it}.

What are your unfortunates and fortunates this week?

i have finally made it in the coffee world

yep...

 I'm officially a Starbucks gold card member.

chipotle rosemary almonds

These are the most satisfying snack on the planet. I have to portion them into 1/4 cup servings, or else I'll eat the entire batch. I put a few baggies in my car, in my purse, and in the kitchen. They are the perfect snack to hold me over until dinner.

Chipotle Rosemary Almonds

{makes 2 batches}

{Ingredients}

4 tbsp olive oil

5 cups almonds

4 tsp rosemary

4 tsp chipotle powder

2 tsp chili powder

1 1/2 tbsp salt

{Directions}

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Line a baking sheet with foil, and put almonds on the baking sheets {make sure none of the almonds are overlapping}.

4. Bake almonds for 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Let cool and Enjoy!

joy

{ sweater/wedges/clutch: Old Navy; pencil skirt: Target; tights/necklace: F21; watch: Nordstrom }

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20  But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Looking to my source of joy to get me through this daunting Tuesday. 

I hope these verses encourage you today!

Happy Tuesday!

snaps from the weekend AND a giveaway winner!

Even though I don't have a cool iPhone like everyone else in world, I can still pretend I have one by making "wannabe instagram collages" about my weekends. So, here's the "Molly's version of what her wannabe instagram collage would look like if she had an iPhone". Instead of using my phone, I used my camera and the oh-so-wonderful photobucket. I had a very laid-back, yet productive weekend. Hope yours was great as well!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The winner of the Scarlet Samples bracelet is...

Danielle!

Congrats, Danielle! 

Email me { urbannester@gmail.com } and let me know which bracelet you choose, along with a shipping address.

unfortunate and fortunate

{ shirt: JCrew; sweater: [gift] Loft; watch: Nordstrom; necklace: F21; clutch: Old Navy; pencil skirt/leopard heels: Target; lipstick: Revlon Really Red }

unfortunate

-The unexpected flooding in Salem! The school district that I'm student teaching in cancelled classes half way through the day. Whaaaaat? I have never heard of school being cancelled because of too much rain. This is Oregon, it rains all the time.

-Having one of my students flip the rest of the class off while the overhead was on. Just sticking up her middle finger for the whole class to see. Apparently, she was having a bad day and wanted everyone else to have a bad day as well.

-Being so tired after work that all I have the energy to do is walk on the treadmill... At a 4.2 pace... Zero incline... It seems like a month ago I had the energy to run 5 miles. I'm just too exhausted to be motivated. But hey, at least I'm moving at a somewhat brisk pace, and I do mix in a sprint or two during commercials.

-Wednesdays, because I only get to see Brad when I kiss him in bed before I leave for work in the morning, and I don't get to see him until I wake up and kiss him goodbye Thursday morning. Good thing Thursday night is date night.

-Feeling totally isolated from my peers. I have no social life, and I have no time for one, that's the worst part. 

fortunate

-Having a student confess to me that she isn't sure if she's an alien living inside a humans body OR an actual human. Huh? And seriously you guys, she had the most concerned look on her face. I just nodded and kept my personal opinions to myself. High schoolers have some interesting things running through their heads.

-Being called Mrs Kidd. That's right, I'm a Mrs, and an authority figure.

-I've been making omelets every morning for breakfast, and they are delicious! I'm finally moving on from my daily oatmeal, banana, and peanut breakfast, and moving on to a more sophisticated omelet with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, spinach, onions, and mushrooms. Yes, all of those things I stuff in there. So good.

-The timer on my coffee maker. It's amazing how much smoother my morning goes when the coffee is already brewed by the time I step into the kitchen.

-This new little coffee house down the street from the house we're staying in. They steam the creamer before putting it into your coffee. My life has changed. I now only order coffee with steamed creamer. Ordering steamed creamer instead of pouring in cold creamer will change your life people!

-Finishing season 4 of Dexter. Are you kidding me with the ending? I'm not only traumatized, but I'm extremely confused. I'm already anxious to start season 5.

-The weekend! Seriously, I can't wait to do nothing. Well, except for homework and lesson plans. But, for a few hours I can pretend like I don't have those things to do.

What are your unfortunates and fortunates this week?

----------------------------------------------------------------

I will announce the winner of the giveaway on Monday... Don't forget to check to see if you've won yourself a new bracelet!

color schemes & career goals

{I was inspired by the dress in the upper left hand corner, and thought it would be a gorgeous color palette for a spring or summer wedding}

Ever since I can remember, I have loved experimenting with color schemes. I absolutely love putting color schemes together for weddings, interiors, and fashion. For a while, I've been thinking about how I could pursue this love of mine, and somehow make it into more than just a hobby.

I'm beginning to put together a portfolio with different color schemes I create. My dream is to someday start my own business and be a wedding decorator and florist. This spring and summer, I have the opportunity of shadowing my cousin, Jodi Beals, who is an amazing wedding decorator and florist. She has been doing weddings on the side for many years, and is extremely talented. She was the vision and designer behind the Poole wedding, which has been recognized and awarded in many style magazines and blogs {such as Style Me Pretty}. She's probably mad that I'm bragging about her, but she is so talented, and I can't wait to learn from her this spring and summer! I'm excited to pursue what I love! I'll be posting different color scheme ideas, and weddings I help my cousin with, throughout these next few months as I develop a portfolio and gain experience. I am beyond thrilled, and I can't wait to see where this goes. If I fail... I fail... but if I don't at least try, I know I'll regret it! No one gets anywhere by living in their comfort zone, right?

preparing for girls group

{I've found my new favorite coffee spot in Salem... The green Java Crew house... It's delightful!}

Kell asked me if I would be willing to speak again at girls group. At first, I was like, "Really? Me? Are you sure?" That little voice inside of me starting giving me self-doubt that the Lord could use me and speak through me. I kept thinking... "Aren't there people who are wiser and better public speakers than me who can speak? I'm sure the girls would rather hear from them." Why do I discredit the fact that the Lord used me when I spoke in front of the girls last fall? He completely showed up in the fall, and spoke through me and used me, who am I to say that he can't show up and speak again? If I want to give my whole self to my Maker and King, I need to be willing to trust him in leading me and challenging me to do things out of my comfort zone. You all know that I struggle with speaking in front of large groups. Where does that fear come from? I know the Lord is teaching me that he can use me in the midst of one of my biggest fears.

I think I'm going to speak on the Luke 15 v. 11-32 {The Prodigal Son}, because it's a passage that the Lord continues to put on my heart. 

Last night, I was going through my pins on pinterest {shocking that I was on pinterest, I know}, and I came across this little note I had pinned a while back. It's exactly the prayer I need to be praying.

{via}

snaps from the 3 day weekend

This weekend I...

read a lot and drank a lot of coffee.

I baked oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for the family potluck.

I went to the hospital to visit Jenna & Ryan's new baby girl, Taylor Grace Hadden. She's just as sweet in real life as she looks in this picture. And, can we talk about how good Jenna looks for just having a baby? Tell me your secrets, Jenna!

I organized all my jewelry, and displayed all of my necklaces on a bulletin board so I can easily see my options.

Husband and I spent a lot of time in front of the fireplace in our sweats since it snowed for most of the weekend.

My best friends were in town, so we went to coffee on Monday morning and talked for a few hours. If only they were around all the time.

It was a really great weekend. Peaceful, quiet, and so beautiful with the occasional snow.

Hope you enjoyed your 3 day weekend as much as I did.

that one time it snowed

{ shirt/jeans: Old Navy; jacket: Hurley; belt: Gap; bag/shoes: Target; necklace/watch: Nordstrom; glasses: F21; drink: Starbucks bold pick of the day with half & half }

It snowed this weekend, and it was wonderful. Yesterday morning, Brad started jumping on the bed when he realized it was snowing. I quickly woke up, and ran to the window. Snooooow! I was so excited! I love the snow. We quickly put on some warm clothes and walked down the street to Starbucks. We sat right by the big window in the front and watched the snow fall. There's something about watching snow fall that makes everything seem good in life. Nothing seems to be a big deal, and every thought automatically becomes an optimistic thought. I could have sat in front of that window, sipping on coffee, for hours. 

Unfortunately, by the time we walked home, most of the snow had melted.

I'm looking forward to this morning... I get to spend it with my two best friends. I love three day weekends.

Happy Monday!

unfortunate and fortunate

{ top: JCrew; skirt: Target; clutch/watch: Nordstrom; necklace: F21; heels: Jessica Simpson }

Unfortunate

1. I didn't realize how dependent I was on coffee until I couldn't have it at school. Luckily, my cooperating teacher says I can keep a coffee pot in the classroom, AND there is a cafe in the high school. Thank you, Jesus!

2. Barely seeing my hubs during the week. Even on the days that we're both in Corvallis, we still have to drive two separate cars. However, making faces on the drive home Tuesday nights on the freeway is a lot of fun.

3. Not having enough hours in the day. I'm already wishing I had more time and it's only week one.

4. Having most of our friends in Corvallis. I miss my friends. I especially miss my girls!

5. People with road rage. I'm sorry woman in the car who I accidently cut-off. You don't need to flip me off to get your point across... You just look mean and ridiculous when you do that.

6. I keep forgetting about my online classes... This could be a problem.

Fortunate

1. I have a new baby nephew... Wallace {AKA baby Wally}. I desperately wanna see the little guy, but he's in Utah. We're crossing our fingers that we can go out to visit this summer. He is the cutest little human on the planet. I bought him baby clothes this week. I died. I can't believe how itty bitty babies are. I bought him lots of dinosaur and striped things. 

2. Another baby thing... Our dear friends Jenna and Ryan had their baby girl yesterday! Sweet Taylor Grace. I can't wait to visit her today at the hospital. I'm sure she's quite the babe already.

3. Being back on a schedule. As much as I love sleeping in until 10 everyday, it is nice waking up at 5:30 again, and feeling so accomplished by noon. I'm a morning person, so waking up early isn't too hard for me.

4. I've been reading lots this week, even though I've been so incredibly busy. I love to read. It's so rewarding.

5. Tuesdays. Tuesdays are going to be great days for me this term. Why you ask? Because Tuesdays I get to drive down to Corvallis early in the morning, meet with my dear friend Kelley, have 5 hours to myself [meaning studying in library], class, and girls group. I already know Tuesdays are going to my retreat this winter.

6. One of my best friends, Laura, asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding!

7. It's a 3 day weekend... Yessss.

It's not too late to enter the bracelet giveaway from yesterday!!!

giveaway!!!

{ scarf: [gift[ Loft; top: Target; watch: Nordstrom; bracelets: Scarlet Samples; pants: Old Navy }

You guys! How cute are these bracelets from Scarlet Samples? I'm obsessed! I have been wearing them with everything. They look great stacked, or even by themselves. And... Lucky you guys... You have the chance to win one for free! And no, you don't have to have a blog to enter! It's easy and will take no time at all to enter the giveaway! You know you want to :]

How to enter the Scarlet Samples bracelet giveaway:

1. Visit Scarlet Samples, and comment below saying which bracelet is your favorite.

2. If you're not already following my blog, well... follow it now! And no, you don't have a blog to follow! Just click "Join This Site" under "Followers", and become a follower. It's that simple.

That's all you have to do! Now go pick out your favorite bracelet on Scarlet Samples and enter in on the giveaway!

You have until next Thursday to enter!

Good Luck!

change is a great thing

{ scarf: [gift] Loft; sweater: Target; bracelet: JCrew; watch: Nordstrom }

This week, I've realized that my life is changing and evolving from college to the next unknown thing.

This week, I started my student teaching, and I'm only commuting to Oregon State on tuesdays for classes and college younglife. As soon as I got to Corvallis and stepped onto campus, things felt different. I don't feel like a college student anymore, I'm not worried about the things that I was worried about when I was living and working on campus, I have a totally different mindset. Watching the circumstances and surroundings in my life change, is making me realize that I'm changing a lot too. I'm working in a classroom, instead of sitting in a classroom. I'm commuting to and from school, when before I walked to school and to work. I'm focused on what's ahead, what's after college. I'm really thinking about where God wants me, and what he wants me doing with the life he has blessed me with. I'm at a point where I'm hopelessly begging God to lead my life and show me where he wants to use me. What does he want me to do with my life? Where does he want me working? Who does he want me investing in? Where does he want me serving? Where does he want me investing my time? What community does he want me and Brad to settle down in? All of these questions have been racing through my mind. Before moving, I was focused on the actual move to Salem itself. I wasn't focused on life after Salem or life after graduation for that matter. 

I'm not panicked... No, quite the opposite... I'm actually really excited. I can see God opening and shutting doors, and it's really amazing. I'm experiencing God in a way I never have before. I've never had to be this vulnerable, I've never been so unsure about what's next. I thought I would hate it and want to have everything planned out, but I don't. I really don't. I'm realizing that wherever I am, God is with me. I don't ever need to be panicked or anxious about the next thing. 

On Sunday, we visited my brother and sisters church in Portland {Solid Rock: A Jesus Church}. The pastor spoke on what it looks like to be one of Jesus' disciples. He went through a list of 5 things that defined being a disciple of Jesus. The thing that stuck out to me the most, was the last thing he said... "Don't put yourself on the throne. Put HIM on the throne." I want every part of my life to reflect that. I want God to be on the throne of my life, because God is so much greater and bigger than I am. I just started reading, "The Reason for God", by Timothy Keller {I'm really into his books right now}, and I am blown away by all the doctrine and truth their is about Jesus and the Bible. It's ultimately harder to not believe in who Christ was and is today {because there is so much proof that supports it}, than it is to be an atheist. This man is so brilliant, and knows his stuff. I love that I can research Christianity to the core, and only be more convinced that I believe in ultimate truth. The reason why so many people don't want to believe in who Jesus really was, is because they're scared of surrendering their life to something besides themselves. They're scared of letting something greater take over their life and transform them in every way. Why? Because we're selfish humans who want to run our own lives, because we think we can run it so much better. Believe me, I'm the first to admit that I'm guilty of running my own life. However, in this season, I'm realizing that when I let go and let God run my life, everything turns out way better than I could have ever planned. 

My verse for this week {one of my new years resolutions was to memorize a verse each week, since I'm terrible at memorizing verses} is Psalm 119 v. 165: "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." 

I'm finding that to be true in my life right now. When I'm walking in God's word, I have great peace.

I hope this encourages you today. Thanks for letting me spill what the Lord is doing in my life. I love hearing from you guys when I open my heart, I really appreciate it.

playing house

{ plaid shirt: JCrew; white shirt/clutch: Old Navy; belt: Gap; watch: Nordstrom; necklace: F21; pants: Loft; heels: Jessica Simpson; lipstick: Revlon Really Red }

10 reasons why playing house is so great:

1. Space. So much space. It's amazing.

2. I can cook something, and it doesn't make the rest of the house smell like whatever I was cooking. No more leaving the house smelling like burnt chicken.

3. Having 2 bathrooms. Enough said.

4. No sharing walls with neighbors. 

5. Privacy. Oh how I've missed privacy.

6. Being able to put my car in the garage. No more scraping my windshield in the morning for work. 

7. The fireplace. I love sitting by the fire, it automatically cozies up the environment. All I want to do is sit by the fire, read, and sip on some cocoa.

8. I can listen to music as loud as I want.

9. Having friends over is a lot more comfortable and spacious, which makes entertaining easier.

10. I have a craft room! Every girls dream.

I could get used to this whole living-in-a-real-house-thing.

gluten-free baked oatmeal casserole

You guys, I am dying over this recipe. I stole the idea of this baked oatmeal casserole from one of the most delicious blogs {Inspired Taste}. I just tweaked the recipe a bit to make it gluten-free.

Do you know what the best thing to do while cooking is? Listening to music. Especially country music. I listened to the Zac Brown Band pandora station while baking this delicious oatmeal casserole. I day dreamed that Brad and I were living in the most amazing farmhouse, weren't in school, and I was fixing up flea market finds {that's my dream, to seriously live that life}. I would love that.

This oatmeal casserole is so delicious. Brad and I have been enjoying a piece each morning for breakfast.

 Gluten-Free Baked Oatmeal Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnut pieces
1 cup raspberries {any berries work}
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slices



Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and generously spray the inside of a 10-1/2 by 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries and half the chocolate. (Save the other half of strawberries, walnuts and chocolate for the top of the oatmeal).
In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.

Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and chocolate on top. Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. Gently shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar.

Enjoy!

unfortunate and fortunate

{ vest: [gift] TJ Maxx; shirt/watch/clutch: Nordstrom; necklace: [gift] Nordstrom; pants/bracelets: F21; wedges: Old Navy; socks: JCrew }

unfortunate

-Having to go back to the real world on Monday. Boooooo.

-Our 80 year old neighbor who keeps walking around the place where we're house sitting to see whose moved in for the next few months. You're cute and all, but I'd really like some privacy, mister.

-Having zero motivation to workout. This break has caused me to be unmotivated to move. This is not a good sign. I'm making myself get on the treadmill this week!

-No more of my mom's home-cooked meals. I'm back to cooking my own meals again.

-I accidently had some gluten. Ugh. Gluten is the devil to my stomach.

-Having to move away from Riley. I already miss that pup. Brad does especially, they were cuddle buddies.

-I only have two more nights of freedom. Freedom to stay up as late as I want, and watch as much Dexter as possible.

-Cold coffee. Isn't that the absolute worst when your coffee gets cold? Really any warm drink for that matter! You don't want to drink it when you first get it, but then by the time you start to enjoy the perfect temperature, it starts to get cold. Thank heavens for microwaves.

fortunate

-Getting to spend every day this week with my hubs. It's been amazing.

-Moving into the place where we're house sitting. It's been so wonderful having our own space again. We're so blessed to be able to house sit for 4 months.

-I've stuck to my new years resolutions all of week one. Bring on 360 days!

-Having a full fridge of groceries and a meal plan for the next two weeks. Wow, that feels amazing.

-New episodes of Up All Night and Parenthood are on! Yesss!

-Brad isn't a fan of red lipstick, but as you can tell, I wear it often. He doesn't like it, because he doesn't want red lipstick on his face. However, I find it really fun chasing him around the living room, trying to kiss his cheeks and make red lip imprints all over them.

-Going back to my high school to talk to my old governing board class. I can't believe that four years ago I was ASB President, so much has changed {but in a great way!}. It's weird to think I'll be student teaching there on Monday.

-My sisters birthday party up in Portland tomorrow night. I'm sure it'll be lots of fun {knowing my sister}.

-Not living in a college town! It's awesome. Yes, I really miss Corvallis. But, I'll still be very much involved there. It's just nice not living in our old apartments to be honest.

Link up below if you have unfortunates and fortunates of the week on your blog!

a book worth reading again

{ necklace: [gift] Nordstrom; watch: Nordstrom; bracelets: F21; sweater: [gift] Loft }

Some of you read in my post about new years resolutions that I want to become a better reader. Meaning... I want to read more. I barely read books, because I fill my open time slots with watching television or roaming on the internet. This year, I want to keep a book with me in my purse so I'm reminding throughout my day to read. I also plan on watching less tv, and limiting the time I spend on the internet. I'm excited about this new change. I think I'll get way more out of reading a good book than flipping through the channels or roaming the net. Not like I have a lot of time to do either of those things anyways, but those times when I do, I want to replace them with more reading. I never read a book and wish I hadn't, but sometimes I do regret spending too much time in front of a screen. 

Over the break I read, "The Prodigal God". I've always preferred non-fiction books over fiction books, I don't know why, that's just how I am. This book took me three days to read, and that seriously never happens to me. It usually takes me a few weeks to finish a book. Not this one. This book was such a short read, and is so applicable to where I am in my walk with the Lord.

The book focuses on the story of the Prodigal Son {Luke 15:11-32}. However, it doesn't just focus on the son who runs away and wastes all of his fathers money, it focuses on the elder son as well. Timothy Keller talks about how both sons were just as distant from God, but for different reasons. The younger son {the son who runs away} was visibly rebelling against his father, he told his father that he wanted nothing to do with him and only wanted his money. The elder son {the son who stayed and worked for his father} felt that he had earned a higher place than his brother, and wouldn't have anything to do with him when he came crawling back for forgiveness. The elder son was full of judgement and lived with a legalistic view of God. The elder son believed that if he lived a good life, than he should get a good life. The elder brother felt as though God owed him a good life because he earned it.  Both brothers were separated from God.

Timothy Keller describes the two brothers perfectly.

"The hearts of the two brothers were the same. Both sons resented their father's authority and sought ways of getting out from under it.  They each wanted to get into a position in which they could tell the father what to do.  Each one, in other words, rebelled - but one did so by being very bad and the other by being extremely good. Both were alienated from the father's heart; both were lost sons.

Do you realize, then, what Jesus is teaching? Neither son loved the father for himself.  They both were using the father for their own self-centered ends rather than loving, enjoying, and serving him for his own sake.  This means that you can rebel against God and be alienated from him either by breaking his rules or by keeping all of them diligently.  

It's a shocking message: Careful obedience to God's law may serve as a strategy for rebelling against God."

The book ends by talking about how Jesus was the perfect son. Jesus was the perfect example. Jesus was friends with the lowest groups of people, and he loved and accepted them all. He gave them life when they were lifeless. He gave everyone hope in the midst of their brokenness. Whatever you do, don't look at my life as a model, look at the life of Jesus. That's the beauty of Christianity. It's not about us, it's about Him. It's about looking at Christ as the perfect example, as the perfect son.

There are so many things I got out of this book, and as I'm writing this, I'm reflecting on all the things I highlighted and underlined. If you're looking for an encouraging, yet challenging book, I highly recommend this one.

Are there any good books you've recently read and loved? Any suggestions?

top 5 superficial favorites of the moment

{ scarf: [gift] Loft; jacket: Hurley; trousers: Loft; shirt/clutch: Old Navy; heels/belt: Target; watch: Nordstrom }

At the beach, we went around the table at breakfast and tried to guess our significant others "top 5 superficial favorites of the moment". A mouthful, yes, but a really fun guessing game. Here were the rules... You couldn't say Jesus, the Bible, family, your spouse, or friends. The answers had to be worldly and superficial... Those were the rules. Fun, right? Here's what happened...

[Brad guessing mine.]

Brad: "Definitely Nate Berkus."

Me: "That's so hot that you said that first. Yes. Nate Berkus is definitely on my superficial top 5 list."

Brad: "Umm... coffee."

Me: "Yes. Easy."

Brad: "Blogging."

Me: "Mmmhmmm."

Brad: "Pinterest?"

Me: "No, not on my top 5, but a good guess babe."

Brad: "There's no way that pinterest is not on your list. You are always pinning."

Me: "False statement. I'm not always pinning. I just like to pin a lot on your phone when I'm bored. Plus, this is my top 5, not yours. I love you [smirk across the table]."

Brad: "You are so ridiculous."

Me: "I know, that's why you married me."

Brad: "Okay, ummm Anthro?"

Me: "Yes."

Brad: "Dex?"

Me: "Yes, well I guess I have a tie... Dex and gold jewelry? It's a close call."

Brad: "Gold jewelry? Really? Gold jewelry versus Dex. You're so weird."

Me: "Hey, no judging my top 5."

[Me guessing Brads]

Me: "Nike. Eaaasy."

Brad: "Of course."

Me: "Coffee."

Brad: "Yes."

Me: "ESPN."

Brad: "Yes. Mine are too easy and obvious, aren't they?"

Me: "No, I just know you soooo well [another smirk across the table]."

Brad: [smirks back].

Me: "Cinnamon bears?"

Brad: "Yes. Speaking of, those sound really good right now."

Me: "Hmm.. I really can't think of anything else..."

Brad: "Think..."

Me: "My boobs?"

Brad: "Bingo. Not really superficial, but I just really like them."

Can I just tell you that I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I couldn't believe everyone's superficial answers... They were all so ridiculous. We then went around the table and talked about fetishes. We had quite the conversation during breakfast.