Uncle Ryan and Aunt Ashley

Made a special trip to Tulsa today to spend some time with Ashley and Ryan . He deploys to Afghanistan October 10th. We enjoyed eating at Olive Garden and just walking around the mall with them. Didn't take many pictures but here are a couple from today. We love you both! Praying for safety for Ryan and peace and understanding for you both.

Jasen and Kristen's Visit

Our friends stopped by today to see us, meet the gliders and have lunch. We made pasta, homemade hummus, vegetables-and cookies with coffee (yum!) Brooklyn liked showing them around and getting lots of attention. It was nice to relax and visit with friends. Then we went to the gym, did lots of homework, took a Geography test and now Aaron, Brooklyn and I are all snuggled on the couch watching The Lion King. Hakuna Matata!

Snuggle Buddies

Snuggle time with the gliders last night!

Happy Fall! Trip to Tulsa

Brooklyn and I made a trip to Tulsa for Shea's birthday, Madison's soccer game and stopped at the pumpkin patch. Madison did so well! She scored 2 goals and her team won! Good job Maddie! Brooklyn had so much fun and I was glad I got to see the kids, Blake and Shea.

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

Brooklyn loved the pumpkin patch. I think her favorite part was the little play houses. She picked out a tiny baby pumpkin. It was such beautiful weather and I'm glad we got to spend time with mom.

He gave what the world couldn't offer us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOyjnq23lNU&sns=em

Sent from my iPhone Hillsong: Your Name High-- "Say what they want...we are free!" This song touched my heart yesterday. I struggle so much with "fitting into" a work environment, building relationships based upon others interest, hiding my true opinions in fear of hurting someone, being stabbed by the past and I've come to realize what is truly important. God gave his son's life for us. What greater gift could there be? How dare I focus my time and energy on how others feel about me versus investing in those people who love me unconditionally and especially focusing on striving to be more like Christ. I am here to make a difference. I am here to raise a daughter in Christ's love. I am here to pray for my Husband and be his teammate through life. I am driven to be a great friend and be available to those in need. I have a passion for nursing and can make a difference that others don't care to make. I want change. I want to use the talents God gave me to be the best person I can be and be a positive influence to others. I am writing this as a reminder to not let a negative person destroy the plans God has for me and my family or simply ruin my day.

Your innocence forsaken
Upon that cross
You gave Yourself for us
Carried into Your freedom

Our broken past replaced in
A second chance
The chains have come undone
Death defied in the Father's love

We are,
Living to make Your Name high Jesus
Living to make Your Name high Jesus You,
Gave what the world couldn't offer us
Say what they want, Say what they want
We are free

The atmosphere is changing,
Oh can You hear
The people rising up
In the hope of Your freedom

Our former ways are breaking
We seek Your face,
God let Your kingdom come
In our praises be lifted up

With eyes on high we praise You
And with one voice we come together
Our one desire to praise You
And lift You up in our surrender

With eyes on high we praise You
And with one voice we come together
Our one desire to praise You

BK and Glider food

I feel like since we've moved we have constantly been rushing Brooklyn everywhere. We gotta go to work, we have to take Daddy to clinical, you have to get to preschool...go go go! Hurry hurry hurry! I wanted to take her to do something special and just for her and she decided she wanted donuts. She picked out a pink icing donut and some "bally ones" aka donut holes. She had some apple juice and we just relaxed, took our time and talked. We both really enjoyed it. I also included a picture of our normal sugar glider feeding because a lot of people wonder what they eat. The mixed vegetable bag lasts a whole month. :) Last night was their first time to have a banana. They ate a little of it but spinach leaves are still their favorite I think. Wish I could them some eucalyptus leaves! They would go crazy.

Smarter Decisions.

This morning, Aaron and I were comparing our choices for breakfast. His cereal had 5gm of protein so he decided he would eat 2 servings. His cereal was a total of 10gm of protein, which sounds good...but, 500 calories! I added up the protein and calories of my omelet and the difference was huge! 160 calories and 28gm of protein! We were amazed and reminded ourselves to make better choices.

My Favorite Food

Since I've learned to cook healthy, I haven't made spaghetti. Spaghetti was always my go to dinner thing...I honestly have been anti-spaghetti. However, I asked Brooklyn was her favorite food was the other day and she said, "Spaghetti." I decided I would try to make a healthier spaghetti today. Eating healthy is super expensive! We are trying to really cut back on our grocery bill. We spend more on groceries than our rent! We aren't willing to eat the way we used to so we are trying to change to great value but still buy whole grain, buy in bulk, etc. :) Spaghetti is a cheap dinner that we can eat for a few nights. I used thin wheat noodles, lean hamburger meat, Aaron accidentally got this sauce so I made it work and had to include a picture because it made me laugh. It was bland to say the least. I sautéed about 3 cups of spinach, some red onion and bell pepper an minced garlic into that. Mine and Aaron's had vegetable toppings. BK's didn't.

Yummy snack!

Craving sweets and want some protein? This planters energy mix is so good!!! It even has dark chocolate covered pine nuts. I ate mine with a banana and felt like it was the perfect mix.

Radiography Fundraiser

Aaron and his RT team are serving up unlimited pancakes at Applebee's this morning to raise money for a Spring convention. We went to chick fil a after to eat some protein. :) we are so proud of you Aaron!

Saturday breakfast Sandwich

Turkey bacon, egg white, spinach and tomato on a thin wheat sandwich round. I'm hungry just writing this. ;) we aren't doing much this Saturday. Had a great leg workout, 2 cups of coffee and in still sleepy. Took a Geography test and submitted a rhetoric assignment...It's a rainy, lazy day. All I wanna do is go to the coffee shop, get more coffee and a cinnamon chip scone. Trying to save myself from the 600 calorie scone...but I'm so bored!

September

September is flying by! We are finally feeling settled in and an offer has been accepted on our home (praise the Lord). Between family time, work, school and making time for the gym, we stay very busy. This upcoming weekend is our first weekend to kinda do nothing-and I'm looking forward to it. I stand amazed at what God has brought us through. I am forever grateful to friends and family that have been there through it all. You know who you are and we appreciate you so much. Brooklyn enjoys living here but says, "I kinda love our old home." we are adjusting slowly but surely and look forward to a future built on trusting God, loving each other and furthering our education. Here's a few pics from this week: story time at the library, destroying her room while I work on school stuff, and improving her swimming skills with Mrs. Rebecca.

Happy 4th Anniversary!

Thanks to everyone that wished us a wonderful anniversary! We ate at chick fil a and saw Brave with Brooklyn. We are hoping for an "us" trip next year but for busy busy and didn't really have an option for child care. It was pouring down rain and Aaron still had his scrubs and brand new white shoes on for clinical...He wanted to be a gentleman and get the car but we didn't want his new shoes to be ruined so he ran barefoot to get the car. Brooklyn and I thought it was pretty funny! I felt like it was a good thing to include Brooklyn in the celebration of our marriage. It's important she knows we are in love and that Aaron is my Prince. :)