He IS With You

"He Is With You" by Mandisa

"We may weep for a time but joy will come in the morning...the morning light" My most favorite part of the song. I love this song and I think it covers so many circumstances to which often makes us wonder if He really is here with us. I saw Mandisa perform at the Women of Faith concert over little over a year ago - incredible! This song is off her new record, Freedom.

2 Years & Counting...

Today, Allen B. and I will celebrate two years of blissful marriage. We had the fairytale wedding, the kind I dreamed of as a little girl but even better. I was finally marrying the man, God created just for me. It was such a happy and special day. God could have not picked a better person for me. Allen is most definitely "the glue" that holds this crazy monkey puzzle together. He always encourages me, supports me, inspires me, and believes in me. While our first year of marriage was amazing (as our sure most are), our second year has not been so easy due to some many things out of our control. We both have faced things we never thought we would face this past year but yet through it all (the good & the bad) we always knew we had each other and I couldn't be more thankful for that. So often this past year, I have heard Allen tell me, "it's okay we just have to stick together and we'll make it through" and he has been so right. I am so very excited about what the future holds and I know this is only the beginning...Allen B. thank you for always being there to pick me up when I needed it most, for loving me even when I'm acting "crazy", and for allowing me to follow my dreams. I love you more than words could ever say! Happy Anniversary my Love!

My feet don't touch the ground!

Behold! We bring You tidings of Great Joy!

And this is why I love this time of year, this season, and Christmas! 2009 has been a difficult year for Allen and I but it also been a "great learning" year. In 2009, we have never held so closely to the only truth we know, our Heavenly Father. We have also clung to each other like never before building an incredibly strong foundation for our marriage. From moving to a new place, living in tight quarters, moving again, experiencing the worst pain imaginable - a miscarriage, not being able to find a job, Allen possibly being laid-off, and all the unknowns of being in a new place - we have never been more thankful for the birth of our sweet Savior! We have spent more time at the foot of the Cross than we ever have and while there were many days we wanted to give-up, Allen and I always reminded each other that while we are struggling we do have each other (and I couldn't be more thankful for the husband God chose for me!) and we have a merciful God that loves us more than we can ever know & has great, wonderful, plans for us. Plans we can't even begin to dream about because of His love for us. If I had to define this year, it would be a sea of tears, a raging storm, but yet a calm in the storm because we have allowed Him to be in the center of our storm. We know there is a time and place for everything and we know God has something so incredibly great for us, in His time.

But this Christmas we are reminded exactly why we are here. To glorify Him and live our life for Him...even through the difficult times. So this Christmas, we bring tidings of GREAT joy because we are so joyful for the birth of our Savior. For because of Him, we have peace in our hearts even when the storm is raging against our hearts. While we still aren't sure what our future holds, we do know the best is yet to come! And until that comes, we will continue to bring Him good tidings of great joy for we know that Christmas is not about all the billions of dollars spent on gifts but about a baby born to save, to save the souls of man. And I can not think of any greater gift on this earth!

So this Christmas, my prayer is that if you haven't received that gift that your heart will be opened to receive it. For He came to save us...me & you! I also pray that 2010 opens doors that Allen & I can't even imagine for we know all things are possible through Him and not man. And as we wait upon Him, we will continue to seek Him just as the Wise Men did and still do.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!


"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6



Jesus the Christ, born in Bethlehem
A baby born to save, to save the souls of man

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven's love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Son of God, Servant King
You're here with us

-Here With Us by Joy Williams

Holiday Baking 101

Look...a Red Velvet cookie!!!!!

I love to bake! But holiday baking is so extra special and warms my heart. And my kitchen.

Yesterday, I tried out two new recipes. Red velvet chocolate chip cookies! Yes, you read that right...insert heavenly music here. And they were incredibly easy to make! Would be great to make with kiddos. The other recipe I tried was more figure-friendly, Cream cheese swirled brownies. I know you are wondering how could that be figure-friendly? Well, I got the recipe for Cooking Light and they are only 130 calories per brownie. Not bad for a brownie swirled with cream cheese!!!

Okay on to the good stuff...the recipes!

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 box RedVelvet cake mix

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Confectioners (powdered) sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. If you have an electric stand mixer, use the paddle attachment, if not that's okay too! In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vanilla, and vegetable. Mix until dough forms (it will be rather thick). Fold in chocolate chips. Roll into balls then roll into powdered sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Don't these just look Christmas-y?! I also dusted some in that yummy, white powdered sugar (again) after coming out of the oven. Santa would looove to have these with milk while delivering presents. Red & white are after all his favorite colors! Enjoy!

Okay so before I move on to the brownie recipe...I will tell you a few things about them so you aren't surprised/disappointed when you bake them. They are definitely more like cake brownies than fudge brownies. Not that is bad, just everyone has their own kind of brownie they like. Also, remember they are considered figure-friendly so while I think they are a great substitute to the full, all out fat brownie - they are not loaded down with butter, oil, or sugar. Hence why they are not an overly sweet brownie - which makes Allen B. love them even more since he is not a big fan of sweets or all the fat/calories that goes with sweets. Ha, which is what I live for - as my waist line gladly shows. But WE did think these brownies were delicious but you on the other hand, may want to tweak the recipe according to your liking. Now don't get me wrong...Paula Deen & her massive amount of yummy butter goodness makes my heart pitter-patter. She and Pioneer Woman are my heroes, after my mom of course!

Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies
*recipe from Cooking Light

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 6 3/4 ounces)
• 2 cups sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg white

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, 1 3/4 cups sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Place butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH for 45 seconds or until melted, stirring once. Combine milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and eggs, stirring well with a whisk. Add chocolate mixture and milk mixture to flour mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended. Spoon batter evenly into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.

Place remaining 1/4 cup sugar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, cheese, and egg white in a medium bowl; beat at medium speed until well blended using clean, dry beaters. Drizzle cheese mixture evenly over chocolate mixture; swirl batters together using the tip of a knife. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until batter begins to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 131 (30% from fat)

Fat: 4.3g (sat 2.6g,mono 1.3g,poly 0.2g)

Protein: 2.5g

Carbohydrate: 21.5g

Fiber: 0.8g

Cholesterol: 23mg

Iron: 1.3mg

Sodium: 69mg

Calcium: 23mg

And finally remembering the real reason why I bake this time of year...for unto us a Savior is born...

"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

Jesus, Light of the World

Show Us Your Life - Christmas Trees

This week over at Kelly's Korner: Show Us Your Life - it's all about Christmas Trees!



If I could only have ONE Christmas decoration it would have to be my Christmas tree. Since I was a kid, I loved helping mom decorate the Christmas tree. Mom always made sure our Christmas tree looked beautiful, as well as meaningful. As a child our tree was decorated with ornaments that mom specially picked out for each of us kids. Mom has been giving us 4 kids an ornament each year for Christmas that reflects us as a person for as long as I can remember. It is so neat to go home and see all of the ornaments from our childhood and what they each represent. She always write our name on them with the year so we never forget. Now that we are all have a home & tree of our own she gives us the ornaments to take home to put on our own tree. It's such a neat tradition and one I plan to carry on with my family.

One day I hope to have several Christmas tree (when we live in a bigger house). I love decorating the Christmas tree and I love how it glows in our home. I don't have a "theme" for our Christmas tree....I just decorate it in all things I like! One day I'll have a themed tree but for now, here she is...

I love snowmen!

This year I added the big red, glittery picks.

Our Christmas tree 2008
I added feather picks (which I love) and lots of B's for our my new last name.

My ornament for this year. Mom knows I love to bake & I love cupcakes! Especially her homemade carrot cake ones, yum!

One of my mom's Christmas tree - it's a theme of Jesus! Stars, angels, the wise-men, animals, all things from the birth of Jesus, trimmed in sliver & gold. It's beautiful!

Everything I learned about decorating a tree I learned from my momma...and we believe you can never have too much on a Christmas! The more, the better!!

Under the Weather

We had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving. I have so much I've been wanting to blog about but time has not been on my side lately. My week got off to a great start! I decided I would start getting up with Allen in the mornings to go work-out (yeah at 5am) and I felt great Monday & Tuesday. I am determined to lose weight this holiday season instead of gaining and Joyce Meyer's Everyday Living comes on Lifetime at 6am so I run/walk a 5K while watching Joyce. For the 2 days that I went, it was such a nice, refreshing way to start my day but then...I woke up early Wednesday morning feeling horrible. And today I have spent all day in bed with a sore throat, cough, and achy (is that a word?) body. My sister is also sick with the same thing so I'm hoping AB does not get it. I remember as a kid thinking I wish I was sick so I missed school and now I'm like how silly was that...because being sick is the pitts!

On a different note, I have a major Christmas show next weekend (3 days) in Boerne and with being sick I have no idea how I am going to get it all done. But I will not allow myself to stress over things I can not control. I am very excited about the show but feel very unprepared at the moment. I still have many many hours of sewing to do! Hence, the time is not on my side right now. The show is in the past has exceeded 5000 Christmas shoppers. WOW! I hope I have enough merchandise, as well I am praying God shows us His love in my bank account. It's been almost a month since I've subbed and I'll be lucky if I got called this close to the holidays. But again, it's not in my control - God has never not taken care of us and I know He is not going to stop now. We also have family coming in town this weekend but looks like I'll be skipping out on all the fun in hopes that no-one else catches what I have, especially the babies. But while I'm under the weather - they are predicting snow here tomorrow! Snow makes me happy!! Probably because we see it once a year, if we're lucky. Last year it snowed in College Station - oh it was a beautiful sight!!


Hope you enjoy the Christmas music & new Christmas background...may your days be merry & bright!

Free Food & Music

Whataburger is giving away FREE food & spreading holiday cheer by having the 12 Days of Whataburger!

Sign up for free food HERE! They will send you an email every other day with a coupon for something free. I signed up yesterday and today received a coupon for a free medium fry for tomorrow.

I recently started working out (okay really started yesterday) but I am doing a 25 day challenge before Christmas in hopes of becoming healthier before the new year starts, instead of waiting until the new year. I have never kept a New Years resolution and I don't see this New Years being any different. We are also trying not to eat out and save money. And while, I was very excited to get my free medium free coupon and thought oh a free fry (which I don't need nor do I need to spend money on the remaining part of the meal...I mean more will-power to you if you can eat ONLY a "free" medium fry at Whataburger, I know I can not) but as I got dressed to run errands I decided I would use the free coupon and I would spend the extra few dollars on a meal. But on a meal for someone who is less fortunate. I never realized or never really paid attention to how many homeless people there are until we moved to San Antonio. You just don't see "beggars" next to the overpass in College Station. While I do not know their story or why they are there holding a sign, seeking help - I do know that God loves them just the same as He loves me! And maybe by me giving them a free medium french fry coupon and $5 to complete their meal - they too will feel the love that God has for them.

Just when I want to give something of myself and when I think our bank account won't allow...God makes a way! Thank you Whataburger for free food & allowing me to spread holiday cheer "God's Love" to someone I probably otherwise would have over-looked.

And Shaun Groves is also giving away FREE music! Okay, it's only one song but it's a very powerful song & it's free to download. Only one song...well, how could this not be anymore perfect with my idea with my free Whataburger food/coupons. I ran across this free song, downloaded it, listened to the song, liked the song, then I decided to look more into the song. Well...here is what Shaun says about the song:

"The kingdom is good news for me because it means the days I have let on earth don’t
have to be spent waiting to die and get to heaven, but instead they can be lived in such a
way that heaven comes through me and gets to earth. Every day, every talent, minute,
dollar, relationship - it’s all purposed. It’s all a gift to be spent bringing the kingdom,
doing God’s will on earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus said the kingdom is also good news for the poor (Luke 4:18,19). "The bible is full
of exclamations of God’s concern for the poor, his desire for them to be treated justly
(Proverbs 19:7) and mercifully (Proverbs 18:23), for His people to give them equality
(2 Corinthians 8:3-14).

To the rich lacking purpose and the poor lacking hope, this is good news.

Shaun also says "The song is free, but it could cost you everything. I hope its words inspire you to live more simply so that others can simply live."

Gosh, He NEVER ceases to amaze me with His mercies, His blessings, His grace, and His love! Free has a whole new meaning to me...

Let your kingdom come
‘Til the rich ones give
And the poor ones live
‘Til the weak are strong
Let your kingdom come...

Mercy come, justice come
Healing come, peace, Lord, come
Mercy come, justice come
Your will be done through us on earth
-Kingdom Coming lyrics

Hope you enjoy the 12 Days of Whataburger, free food, and the free song! May your days be as bright as His love for you is!

A Grateful Heart

I have SO much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. But while I am so very thankful for all the blessings I have such as:

- an incredible husband who loves me regardless of my faults, insecurities, & well all those crazy moments I have
- a mom and dad that have showed me what it means to love, fight for each other, and never give up on each other (they just celebrated 35 years of marriage & have built a life most envy)
- my brothers & sister (who I don't see often enough but I do think about them often)
- all of my family and friends
- all my nieces and nephews (being an aunt is such a wonderful blessing)
- for the trials & struggles I do face
- for God's mercy and grace
- for knowing there is no problem too big for my God
- that I live in America, home of the free
- for our soldiers who fight so bravely so that I may have my freedom
- and because I have a place to go home for Thanksgiving to fellowship, laugh, hug family members, watch Aggie football (btho tu!), and eat a ridiculous amount of food.

But as Thanksgiving approaches my heart is heavy for those who are less fortunate, who don't have family to fellowship with, for the families who are struggling financially and may not be able to afford a Thanksgiving feast or have had a recent lay-off, families who are homeless, families who are without food, for the elderly & widowed, for others who are struggling with depression and the uncertainty of what is to come...

So while we are going here and there, cooking, visiting - I ask that you please don't forget the ones who are in need of HOPE this Thanksgiving. Without HOPE, there is nothing. Hope is the foundation of which faith is built upon. I urge you to really look in your "store-house" and see what tools you have that can help give someone HOPE this Thanksgiving & Christmas season.

Be a light into this world...as Jesus is a lamp into our path.

May you have a very Blessed & Happy Thanksgiving!
And may the AGGIES beat the hell outta t.u.!

Break-down to break-through

Yesterday was a pretty rough day for me. Seems like lately all I've been doing is pouring my heart and soul out to my Heavenly Father...yet I feel so alone and lost. There are days I wonder does He really hear me, does He notice me, when will He show us face amidst the chaos, when will I look back and say "I finally understand!" I know God has great things in store and planned for me and my life but some days it is so hard to see that beyond all the trials I am struggling with. I know He writes the story of my life and I can't wait to see what my story will be - actually I can't wait for others to read my story and see the love of Jesus that resonates inside me. And I realize that the trials I face are not personal and that I am not the only one that faces these trails but some days, like yesterday that just bring me to well honestly...a break-down. But thankfully His mercies are new each morning! At first, I was ashamed of what I was feeling yesterday...like I was being a baby and not just bucking up to my problems and pressing on - BUT this is how God is working in me. I honestly feel like He is saying, Nancy - all these things you think you need to make it in this world (money, job, a new car, material things) are NOT the things you need, all you need is ME! Allen and I both feel like we are at the end of our rope, we honestly don't know what is next or we don't know when we'll make it the top of OUR mountain. All we do know is that God has never not taken care of us and I know He is not going to stop now. I am finding that having a break-down is not such a bad thing - it's actually like a break-through...for me anyway.

In Luke (Chapter 8: 40-48) there is a parable of a women who had been bleeding for 12 years, she pushed through the crowd, touched the hem of Jesus' cloak/garment and was healed. If you don't know the story, I urge you to go read it. It's incredibly story of faith. Well, lately that story has been on my mind and I think God is saying "Don't give up! Reach out and touch me...keep pushing through...don't let anyone hold you back...have the kind of faith that this women had. The kind of faith that is bold and courageous!" All the while, I am scared/afraid/fearful for reasons I don't know or can't explain.

In my search for more on this story, I found this...
"When I think about this story, I am amazed by this woman's faith. It is a pushy faith. An elbow-my-way and don't-take-no-for-an-answer faith. It is a faith that doesn't quit. Jesus is seeking to produce in you and me the kind of faith that motivated the hemorrhaging woman to touch the hem of his garment. But if we aren't quite there yet, he is entirely willing to prop up and encourage our faith until it can grow some more.

Faith is often expressed in us at that raw, growing edge of life that is acquainted with fear but not overcome by it. Our woman has spent twelve years in sickness, embarrassment, and frustration. But she has pushed through. She has just been powerfully and instantly healed, and she is aware of the healing. The next moment Jesus stops, asks "Who touched me?" and she is trembling again. How true to life.

Dear child of God, Jesus loves you and is fully aware of the vulnerability of your faith. But he is encouraging you to take courage, put your fears aside, and "go for it." If you falter, he is by your side and he will help you. He is teaching you to trust in him. And he says to you, as he said to the sick woman who pushed through her fears, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go forward in peace."

Oh, wow! I think that was meant/written for me. He never ceases me to amaze me! I love love love the last paragraph!

While yesterday I was having a "break-down" (so I thought) today it turned into a "break-through." I would NOT change of any my hard days or struggles for anything in this world. For I know, this is the process I must go through in order to be molded into His image. I am constantly reminded that He is the author of my life and I shouldn't be afraid because even if I fall, His promise remains the same.

"My life's like an open book, nothing is hidden when you look. You break through my boundaries revealing my insecurities. But through my pride and through my shame, You show me love, You show me grace. I'm not looking back till I see your face. And I'm running straight to you because all I really want to do is fall into the emptiness that is, the space in-between us..." ~Lyrics of "The Space In Between Us" by Building 429

Welcome to this world...

So LOTS has happened in the past week. Seems like forever since I has posted and I have so much catching up to do.

We now have a new member of our family, sweet Miss Ella! Ella was born Monday, November 9th 2009 and she is so tiny and so precious! Joe is now a BIG brother! Ella is our 4th niece and we are so glad she is here, safe & sound. There is nothing on this earth like holding a brand new baby! We are so thankful for the gift of life and for Ella.

We Love You Ella! Your Uncle Allen and Aunt Nancy "Nonni" couldn't be more excited to have a new precious niece! Nonni can't wait to play dress up with you, take you shopping, and buy you all kinds of fun, PINK girl stuff.


"A baby is God's way of saying the world should go on..."

Faithful Fridays

While I am currently struggling with finding a job, financial burdens, stress of the Holidays coming up, wondering when He will answer my cries of help, and honestly being selfish because I feel like I "need" all the things everyone else has or what society tells us we should have. I don't think anyway or I know I don't truly "need" anything. I have more stuff than my little house can even fit. The real truth is there are people in this world who don't have the comfy bed I sleep in every night, don't have running water to take a shower OR bath- whichever we wish to take, or electricity (and yet we panic when the electricity goes out for minutes during a thunder storm), nor clean clothes or even a pair of shoes (I am ashamed at the number of shoes I have)...my point is that while I've been SO busy with my own concerns/wants/needs - there are so many people who have so little yet still have greater faith than which I do. Joyce Meyer says faith is deposited in the spirit. Faith is a force that comes out of the spirit, and it can accomplish great things, but faith must be released to be of value. Releasing our faith can be so difficult...but why, why do we not listen to Him when is trying to tell us to cling to Him, have faith! Jesus tells us in Luke 5:4 "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" I love that!

It's time to lower our nets into the deep waters of our souls, not in the shallow, safe part of the water (where I admit I am & have been) but into the deep unknown waters...essentially we have to leave the shallow places of your own soul (what we think and feel) for the the deeper life in God...what we know deep down inside.

It is so sad we are almost clueless to how good we have it. I am almost ashamed that I take so many things I have for granted, yet I still want "more, more, more." My blogging friend, Tammy over at My Heart...His Words helps an orphanage in Romania and after reading their story, I thought to myself what is wrong with me, I have been so ungrateful. Click HERE to read their story. Tammy and I have never met but I follow her blog and have been so touched by her words...if you can can help in ANY way, please do! You can email her at tammynischan@yahoo.com or email me at mrsnancyb@gmail.com

"Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven." Luke 6:20-21, 23

Fearless

What fear is holding you back? I know lots of fear is looming over at our house...I read this over at (In)Courage and was blown away. I am going today to buy Max Lucado's new book Fearless. I actually attend bible study at Max Lucado's church and have seen the book but never really paid attention it when I walk by the bookstore, okay maybe it's more like I saw it but thought that doesn't apply to me. Hahaha, boy was I wrong! (In)Courage has some wonderful, encouraging posts. I highly recommend subscribing to it.

Joe-O-Lantern

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! Allen's parents were in town over the weekend and we spent Halloween over at The Wilson's with Mr. Cutie himself, Joe Cool. Saturday morning, we had a fun-filled morning carving pumpkins. Cadee and I both hadn't carved a pumpkin in years but I think our pumpkins turned out GREAT! Joe was a great helper! He liked flinging the pumpkin guts around...ha! He is all boy! They looked so good lit up on the sidewalk to greet all the trick-or-treaters. It was fun to see all the kids dressed up and I think Joe really enjoyed seeing them all. Lots of scary little kids/costumes! We had a good weekend but I am excited November is here...Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays/time of year! We have a busy 2 months coming up between birthdays, babies, and holidays but I can't wait!

Joe will be a BIG brother soon! We are so excited and can't wait to meet Miss Ella!!

It's Fall Y'all!

I'm not sure if I have a favorite season but I know I do love FALL! Here are just a few things that I love about fall...

- cool morning and cool nights
- the smell of cinnamon
- comfort food like chili and chicken n dumplings
- baking delicious fall desserts
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Starbucks Pumpkin bread
- it's a time of Thanksgiving
- my birthday
- means Christmas is upon us
- get to layer on the clothes
- seeing the colors change

Lately I've been guilty of wanting Starbucks pumpkin bread on a regular basis. Thankfully, I do not treat myself to this tasty bread very often. For one, it's rather pricey for a girl on a budget and it does no good for my waistline. I decided I was bound and determined to make a pumpkin bread similar to that of Starbucks. Well, mission accomplished! One year for Christmas (probably 3 years ago) Momma B. got me an entire set of Southern Living Cookbooks. They were vintage cookbooks from 1976. I am what you call a "cookbook junkie" kind of like the "fabric junkie" I am. Better than being a different kind of "junkie!" right? I think I wrote about my cookbook problem in a previous post, here. This was my first recipe out of one of those cookbooks and I know it will not be my last. It was super easy to make and that is the kind of recipe I love. No frills, just good eats! I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the pumpkin bread when I took it out of the oven...I called my mom and told her if the bread taste half as good as the batter, I am in trouble! Ha!

This recipe says to bake in 2 loaf pans but my sister bought me THIS for my birthday last year and I thought it would be prettier if I used the Bundt pan instead of loaf pans. Use whatever you have or wish! But wouldn't this bread be beautiful in this PAN?? This recipe also is showing it's age...it calls for salad oil, I decided it must be vegetable oil. But at first I was like what? I need to call mom on this one...but I didn't, haha! I used my stand mixer for this recipe, even to mix in the flour. Beware it's a lot of sugar & flour going on in this recipe...

Pumpkin Bread

3 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 c. salad oil aka vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2/3 cup water
2 cups canned pumpkin - I used 1 15oz can
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp soda

Mix the sugar, eggs, oil, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water in bowl. Add the pumpkin and mix well. Stir in the flour and soda. Place in 2 well-greased loaf pans or 1 large Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Right out of the oven...just looks like Fall to me!

I also dusted powdered sugar on mine for a nice finishing touch.

Enjoy!

"And even when the trees have just surrendered to the harvest time, forfeiting their leaves in late September and sending us inside...still I notice You when change begins and I am braced for colder winds, I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come - You are autumn..."

This Kind of Love

I am so excited...I made my first ever video today & uploaded my first YouTube video ever! I know, someone has way too much time on their hands. I love music and throughout the day I just let iTunes play while I'm cleaning, sewing, etc. and I happened to hear this song by Sister Hazel, "This Kind of Love" well I just fell in love. Made me think of Allen and all the reasons why I love him. Because "This Kind of Love" is exactly what I found when I found Allen. I decided I would use all photos that were related to when we got married. Engagement, wedding, and honeymoon photos. I can not say enough sweet, wonderful things about my husband. He is always doing such sweet things for me and things that I'm like "wish I knew how to do that!" I couldn't wait for Allen B. to get home so I could show him what I did with my time today. I was incredibly productive...can't ya tell?! I can't wait to make more videos and share them with you all.

What a week!

This week has been definitely a week of emotions, ups and downs, and well guess that is what living life is about! We had an amazing weekend with Mom in Houston...remember how I said we ate at Pappa's Seafood - well I forgot I took photos of our food that night. Yes, Allen thought I was just crazy!! Haha but my goodness the dessert sampler was delicious! It had key lime pie (which was heavenly!), cheesecake, and this amazing warm pecan pie with ice cream...ahhhh! Sorry this post may be a little long BUT it's been an eventful week!


Monday came and that afternoon, Allen came home to tell me the bad/good news. His company did a company lay-off sweep, if you will. Allen worked with and next to a guy who has worked for the company for 5 years, his wife is a stay at home mom, and they have 3 precious children (2 under the age of 2)...out of everyone in the office, he was the one laid off. Not only was he laid off but in the Austin office, 2 people were laid office and one moved to part-time. The Dallas office was also hit pretty hard. There is just not enough work to go around right now. While we prayed for Allen NOT to be laid off (thank you Jesus!) it has still be difficult knowing there are families now without work and so close to the holidays. So while we are so grateful and praise Him that we weren't affected, our hearts are heavy for the ones who are now unemployed. I ask that you left up these families in prayer and all families that have been affected by our weakened economy. The holidays can be such a lonely and difficult time and I'm afraid this holiday season will be extremely difficult for many families.

Tuesday morning, I got up, got dressed, made my coffee to go, ate breakfast, and was prepared to substitute 5th grade. On my way there, I received a phone call saying there was a mistake and 2 subs had been entered into the system and they were sorry but they did not need me that day. UGH! I was very kind to the lady on the phone, and she even said "wow, thank you for being so nice about this mix-up" well it wasn't her fault and I thought WELL, guess God has other plans for me today! Since I was already dressed, I wrote a cover-letter and took myself to Central Market to show my face and drop off my resume and cover-letter. I applied for the sales manager position in the bakery dept at Central Market. I also applied at the Whataburger home office. I am trying to remain positive, hopeful, and faithful that God will provide! Finding a job is probably the most stressful, discouraging thing anyone has to go through. I heard this past week - if you want to feel bad about yourself, go on an interview! Ha, so true!! I just wish I had an interview to go on...but I know my time IS coming!

Hump Day comes and Reno has been on medicine for what we thought was allergies. Well, the medicine that normally works, was NOT working and his poor little face was getting worse. I just took him to the vet last week and spent $100 (and $500 in June), I called the vet to see if he could just give me a different medicine so I wouldn't have to bring him in. Well, of course not...took him in and $200 later - we find out it is some kind of infection (either bacterial or fungal). The vet took some hair and skin samples and we should have results in a few days exactly what it kind of infection it is. Lovely! So he is now on antibiotics and non-fungal medication for 2 weeks AND my poor baby has to wear a cone-collar for those 2 weeks. Allen and I feel so bad for him but we know it's what is best in order for him to get better. Gosh, not sure if I can handle real children...Reno is giving me a run for my money (literally) ha! He had his first treatment last night and his face already looks better. Praise the Lord!

Before...

With the cone-collar on...

ALSO, found out that Allen PASSED part one of the LARE - it's the test he has to take in order to become a registered, certified, legit landscape architect. I am so proud of him! He takes part two within the next month. It is a 5 part test but I know he is so smart and will beat the odds and past ALL 5 parts the first time! Most people do not...but my Allen B. will!

Wednesday night, I also have bible study and last night it was so good! Since I'm sure your eyeballs are hurting from reading this or I have lost your interest back at what happened Monday - I will post about Wednesday night bible study at another time.

Please keep us in your prayers as I search for a job. I have applied at several places this week but some days can be so discouraging. If you also need prayer, please let me know - email me at MrsNancyB@Gmail.com.

"What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

Wordless Wednesday