the lesson I learned from a 2nd grader

It was a simple questions:

"What is Jesus teaching you right now and how are you putting that into practice?"

Our pastor had said one simple question yesterday and it seemed it smack me hard in the face.  Let me tell you why.  I'm good at reading my bible, checking off the verses on my Bible App, writing down key things to remember, but I found my weakness.  Application.  Practice.  Putting it all together.  

So last night as I was thinking over and over again about this simple question, it came to me quite quickly what God is teaching me and how I need to put it into practice.  I'm just loving the current SheReadsTruth study on James.  Oh, James.  This is one of my absolute favorite chapters in the bible.  It is thick with everything I want and need in my life.  And this verse keeps playing over and over in my head:

"be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger"

James 1:19

This verse keeps catching me up.  Just when you think you have everything going well, God has this funny way of showing you exactly where your weakness lies.  But He does this for a beautiful reason, because He loves us and wants us to grow deeper into Him.  So the times when I want to tell my husband or call me mom and vent about the latest need to stop.  The times when all I can do is find the one thing someone did wrong instead of the many things they did right need to stop.  The way that the littlest thing can rub me the wrong me need to stop.  And instead, I need to hear.  Hear God's word, His voice, and hear the other person as well.  

God showed me just how beautiful life is when I received the sweetest note from two of my students.  They instantly reminded me how far kind words go over the nagging, complaining, and all of those things that get in the way.  So thank you, sweet second graders of mine, for showing me the power of positive words instead of thoughts that bring you down.  

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running the Temecula 5k

Sunday morning the alarm went off at 4:40am, and I was already awake!  I know that this seems crazy but I was eager to get up and throw on some running clothes to run the Temecula 5k.  It reminded me of getting ready for the half-marathons that I have run in the past, and the rush of memories made me truly miss those runs.  As much as I miss training and long-runs, I'm pretty pleased with how much my body has been able to keep up with running in general throughout this pregnancy.  And the benefits I've reaped because of it have made this pregnancy truly amazing.  

My friend Colleen ran the half-marathon, and Molly ran the 5k with me because she's recovering from being sick.  We got up to Temecula at 6:30am and froze our buns off for a bit, but the most beautiful sight emerged.  Hot air balloons were taking off in the field right next to our race!  The race was held at   Wilson Creek Winery, and this was definitely an amazing place to hold a race.  

The course was super hilly, and there were times that I wanted to walk but I kept pushing through.  Who knew that running 3 miles could really wipe you out!  I ran the 5k in exactly 30:00.  My initial reaction was to be a little disappointed with my pace, but then I had a reality check.  Hey, I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant, I ran the entire time, passed a lot of people along the way, and conquered those hills!  Thank you, reality check! 

Molly and I were able to make it back to the finish line to watch the half-marathoners come in, and who did I see?  Bobbi!  Pretty much the one blogger that I'm completely enamored with, and I got up the guts to talk to her!  She is the sweetest, and it was such a pleasure meeting her! 

Can I just say that my friend, Colleen, is an animal!  She ran a full marathon in Utah two weeks ago, and pushed through this challenging course.  Such an inspiration! 

This was baby's first 5k, and it most definitely won't be the last!  I'm already trying to plan which half-marathon to run first to get me back in shape after having the baby! 

{virtual} coffee date

Happy Saturday lovelies!  I must admit that if we were having coffee this morning I would truly hope that it was coming from Peet's Coffee or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  Better yet, why don't we find a cute, quaint coffee shop and just bask in its adorableness?  Starbucks is just not my fav, and all I want lately is coffee from the cutest coffee shop that was right by my house in college I frequented quite often. 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I'm pretty proud of the fact that I started Christmas shopping already!  This is a very rare act for me, but when you have a baby due ON Christmas day, it makes you start planning just a bit ahead.  And so far I am in love with the gifts I have found.  

I truly love being able to support small businesses, and blogging and helped me to find amazing shops to support.  This year the Mr. and I both agreed we want to give gifts with meaning.  Whether that mean the gift is meaningful to that person, or we are supporting a small shop or cause with our purchase.  Lisa Leonard is always one of my favorites! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I'm obsessed with these leggings and am pretty sure our little peanut needs a pair!  I've been trying really hard not to buy anything for him, and so far am pretty proud of my efforts.  

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that my husband is truly the greatest.  I would like to say "for some reason", but I'm pretty sure we know what that reason is, I've been more emotional lately.  And in the first two weeks we have been official "homeowners" we started a couple of projects.  Projects that seemed seamlessly easy.  Well, we have bad luck!  I'd like to say that we're the "third time's a charm" couple because it takes us either three trips to the store for a different part, three attempts to hand something, three days to install this or that, etc. 

 So far we have upgraded the kitchen faucet and one of the bathroom faucets.  At one point last week, every faucet in my house was out of commission because the Mr. would get stuck with a part he needed or didn't know what to do.  Then, the dresser we wanted for the nursery arrived.  As we began assembling it we came to find that one of the main parts was cracked in half!  So we ended up with a dresser that is half-way put together, a nursery that is still disheveled, and two long hours on the phone with customer service this week.  

Needless to say, God is definitely teaching me patience and he has provided me with one truly amazing husband who seems to always have some extra patience for me.  Honestly, I can't fully describe how grateful I am for him! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I just got the cookbook It's All Good and am dying to drive on into every recipe!  The recipes look very simple, yet clean and fresh at the same time. My body is craving some clean eats, and this cookbook is sure to do the trick.  Bobbi is doing a challenge to try every recipe in the book in 365 days and I'm contemplating joining in on the action! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that there have been some moments this week where it has been hard to give my body grace.  I've felt a little extra bigger than normal (although this picture is deceiving), and I'm also very tired so working out is tough.  I'm still getting in 4 workouts a week, but seeing the changes have been a bit hard to swallow lately.  I'm praying that God's love and grace will wash over me and allow me to focus on the this beautiful miracle He has given us.  And can I also admit that there are times when it still feels surreal?  I'm having a baby.  In 10 weeks.  And it is still sinking in! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd tell you that I'm super excited because I was accepted as an ambassador for For Two Fitness!  Staying fit and healthy are so important to me, and I decided to go out on a limb and apply.  When I read the email, I had to reread it over and over again.  It is such a blessing to see what happens when you finally just get the guts to do something!  A blog post will definitely be coming soon about that my dears! 

If we were having coffee this morning...I'd share that today the Mr. and I are driving up to Huntington Beach to visit his college friend, Andrew, and his super sweet girlfriend.  We're meeting up for lunch and I'm pretty excited to take a drive with my better half and just have some fun together! 

this song is on repeat

I first heard this song at church and could not get it out of my head.  This happens when I hear a worship song that really resonates with me.  It breaks me.  It renews my spirit.  And it becomes my anthem.  When I finally found it on iTunes I was ecstatic and can't keep it to myself!  Let's just say this song is on repeat, filling my soul with the beautiful truth that God is always there, and pushing me to trust without borders.  

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk across the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet would ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior 

paint the night pink

I have the privilege of being close friends with a pretty fantastic lady who knows a thing or two about style.  The dashing Conni blogs over at Art in the Find, and she is one talented lady.  I've seen her passion for fashion and design first hand, and it has led her to change her career path to pursue her passion.  She's talented, driven, and most of all, a sweetheart!  

Conni's style is always one I'm fascinated with.  She has an amazing eye for classic pieces that you can add to in order to create new looks.  Check out her latest post on styling one gorgeous dress from Anthro three different ways. Conni is also a fan of color, and I just love seeing how she will take a simple outfit and create it into a masterpiece with the help of beautiful accessories.  

This Saturday she is partnering with Westfield Shopping Center at the Paint the Night Pink event.  This event benefits Breast Cancer awareness month, and provides you with oodles of fashion and style finds!  I for one will be attending, and can't wait to see the looks that she has pulled that will be included in the event.  And more importantly, I would love to see you there!  

Here's some fun questions Conni answered for me to get a glimpse at the beauty behind this creative soul:

1. When did your passion for fashion begin?

 My passion for fashion began when I was a "big sister" and started to dress up my little sister in my mom's clothes and set up mock photo shoots when I was babysitting her.  My nana always used to give me her once read through Harper's Bazaar when I was younger, but she never did for my mom or sister...now I know why. (I didn't put it together at the time)  I used to go through her closet too.  So I'd have to say it's always been there but I didn't start to see it as a real opportunity until a few years' back when people started telling me I should be a stylist. 

2. What brings you the greatest joy as a style blogger?  

I am a very visual person and when I see a style or look that I just can't get enough of, I want to share that on my blog with everyone.  As a blogger, I get to do just that!  Style is a form of art to me and I love art.  I love art because each person sees it just a bit differently from next, which is why we have such diverse styles around the world.  I gain a lot of appreciation from being able to research and blog about what my favorites are. 

3. If I hired you as my stylist, what would that include and look like?

As a stylist, I want to make someone feel like the best version of themselves. Whether it's a closet edit (going through and taking out what you need, looking at what you have and building a great wardrobe) or personal shopping (going shopping with you or for you) or giving you ideas and inspiration, my job is very diverse and clients need different things.  I would show you how you can incorporate certain styles for your body type, not just because they're in "style" but because they accentuate the best parts of your body.  It's about reading where you are right now in your life and dressing you for right now so you feel amazing.  That's what I do and I love it!

4. What is your current favorite fashion trend? 

I might be slightly obsessed with very feminine pieces right now paired with very "rocker" pieces.  What that means is I love pairing leather with statement necklaces or shiny beautiful tulle skirts with studded boots.  But, really? I'd say I am still loving layering.  That's my favorite fall thing.  You can layer a great button down top with a fun patterned sweater or a fabulous trimmed blouse with any kind of vest.  And I still love skinnies and boots, just not every day, people!! (-:

Make sure to check out Conni's blog and enter her contest for a free ticket to the event this Saturday night!   

meal planning makes me happy

There's something that brings me great joy on Sundays.  And it isn't the laundry I'm doing, the floors I'm sweeping, or the mess I'm picking up.  It's meal planning!  

Maybe it's my love for lists, checking things off as they get accomplished, or maybe it's the fact that I truly love to cook.  I remember when the Mr. and I first got married.  We moved into our condo, and I got straight to planning out some meals.  Life was crazy back then.  He was finishing his undergrad and I was wrapping up my teaching credential.  I remember finding solace in having a meal already planned out.  It was one last thing to think about amongst our busy schedule. 

The same holds true today!  It's something already done that I don't have to think about, and it brings me joy to come home and prepare a meal out of love for us.  

I usually plan out 4 meals, and leave 1-2 days of leftovers available.  There's times when our schedule doesn't go as planned, or I'm not in the mood for what we have planned, but for the most part-we follow the plan.  

Here's this week's plan:

Sunday: Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Broccoli Peso

**This turned out amazing!!  I served it with asparagus and roasted red potatoes.  Delish! 

Monday: Chicken Curry with Brown Rice (Recipe coming later this week)

Tuesday: White Bean and Sausage Ragout with Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Kale (using swiss chard instead because it came in our CSA box) 

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Sweet Potato Chipotle Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 

Friday: Leftovers 

This week I wanted to try to keep our dinners simple, and the Mr. has been asking for more meat in our meals.  My stomach can't handle red meat, so I like to stick with chicken, turkey, and fish.  Can't wait to cook up some love this week! 

{virtual} coffee date

Happy Saturday!  For a moment, can I just share with you that this week I've consumed coffee fresh from the pot three days!  Maybe it's the new coffee pot we got, maybe it's the foamed milk I added, or maybe this baby realizes that I really, really need it this week.

If we were having coffee this morning....  I would share with you that my dear friend, Lindsay, and I went and got pedicures together last Saturday morning and it was so glorious.  There is just something about sipping some chai lattes together, getting your feet massaged, and chatting away.

 I was enjoying it so much I added on a manicure, and the entire day afterward I was trying to figure out how to budget this into a regular thing.   Getting pampered felt amazing, and just made me feel good about myself too!

If we were having coffee this morning... I would tell you that I'm running a 5k next weekend!  When I signed up I was seriously struggling to get my workouts in, and highly doubted I could even run 3 miles at best.  But last weekend I ran first thing in the morning, and each time they were glorious.

They were just what I needed for that boost of confidence, and now I'm more excited than ever to have something planned to stay active and fit!  I'm also loving the fact that I'm 29 weeks and can still run!  Each time it feels like a victory, and I'm just so amazed at what this body can do.

If we were having coffee this morning... I would tell you that the Mr. has been Mr. Wonderful this week.  The cold creeped up again this week, and he made dinner for me, brought me tea, and let me lay on the couch from 6pm on.  That same night I went to bed at 8 and it was glorious.  On top of it all, I woke up to a clean kitchen!

If we were having coffee this morning... I would share that I was able to wear boots this week and fall weather arrived for a few short days!  It rained, and my heart just swelled with joy.  I know, I'm pretty mushy, but I truly love foggy mornings, cold and rainy days, and blankets to snuggle up into.  It was pretty amazing, and I'm hoping that weather comes back soon!

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd tell you that I'm dying to go on a trip!  I just went to get away for a weekend, relax, and breathe in some fresh air.  To be honest, I'm dying to go up to San Luis Obispo, but it doesn't look like the Mr's work will allow him time off.  In the meantime, we are soaking up Saturdays off together to be intentional with one another.

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd tell you that the dresser for our nursery arrived and I couldn't be more excited!  Decorating is a huge insecurity of mine and I'm feeling a bit of anxiety and sense of failure at the fact that the nursery is painted and the crib and rocking chair are the only things occupying the space.  I'm waiting for some sort of creative bug to finally bite and for me to feel confidant in that space.

2-minute pumpkin pie

I promise that you didn't read that title wrong!  This, my lovelies, is truly a 2-minute pumpkin pie..or cupcake, depending on how you look at it.  And all it takes is a mug, some simple ingredients, and a microwave!  I've had my share of a sweet tooth during this pregnancy, or maybe I should just say that I have one in general.  And I truly try to balance out everything and not over indulge in sweets, but each night I just want that little nugget of sweet goodness to get me through.  This concoction is perfect.  Don't be alarmed if the top doesn't look quite set when you take it out, it's nice when it's just a bit gooey on the top.  Also, I wouldn't judge you if you added a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the top and allow them to melt into your cupcake.  

2-Minute Pumpkin Pie:

3 Tbsp. almond flour

3 Tbsp. pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 Tbsp. honey

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 

a dash of salt

1. Combine everything into a mug and mix well. 

2. Microwave for 2 minutes.  

3. Eat immediately! 

mornings bring me back

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There is something so divinely beautiful about the mornings.  It's a fresh start, a new day.  Any mistakes that I have made, words I have said, regrets I have made, seem to disappear in the mercy of a new day.  The light draws in the awakening of God's beauty.  The warmth from my coffee mug warms my soul.  And I am filled with hope for this day-today.  It is a truly beautiful thing to be able to set your intentions, create space for your day, decide how it will go, and the mornings offer this space.

I know for some, mornings are hard and difficult.  The wretched alarm clock goes off and all we want to do is pull the covers up over our head and whisper a prayer that God would add more hours to our day so we could just get an extra hour of sleep.  When these feelings creep in, I truly have to push myself to block them and press on.  The other beautiful thing about mornings is that they are my time, and I have my routine.

Each day I always get ready for work, and then I make breakfast, sit at the counter and eat it in the company of myself and Jesus.  My bible is next to me, and I pour over God's word and allow His word to fill me up with sweet goodness, His mercy to wash me anew, and to lift up my worries.

This morning, I was immensely blessed through the perseverance of this little routine I have.  I'm currently reading through the She Read's Truth devotional and read 2 Timothy 1:7:
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control".  

This verse was already highlighted in my bible, which made me think back to when I read it before and highlighted it.  And I was quickly taken back to a time when I desperately needed this verse.  This verse was like my life saver on a quickly sinking ship.  It was what I clung to in hopes that I would be better.  A year ago, it seems like I was a completely different person.  Anxiety and depression and fear entrapped me.  I lived in fear.  What if I never get pregnant?  What if there is something wrong with me?  When if we never figure out how to live life and just be happy?  My fears were rational, but mostly irrational.  God's word was literally a lamp unto my feet, shining light on the hope that I would have a spirit of power one day-not fear.

I'm overcome with emotion when I look back on the time in my life when this verse was what I clung to, and that today I feel God's spirit of power and love, not of fear.  I can clearly see the ways in which God brought me out of living in fear and anxiety.  He placed amazing people in my life, surrounded me in love, and it has only allowed me to feel more secure in His amazing love.  Today I can easily see the truth in 2 Timothy, the truth that God will provide for me, He will bring us through hard times, He will capture our fears and set them free.  God's promises are worth so much more of my time than holding onto fears.  And I'm ever thankful and grateful for his amazing promise!

spaghetti squash 101

If you were to ask me a couple years ago how to cook spaghetti squash, or what it even looked like, I would've had no idea.  I've always been a big fan of squash, so it was about time that I ventured into the world of cooking with spaghetti squash.  The first person I turned to was my brother-in-law because he seemed to be always cooking it, and he quickly taught me how to bring this squash to life.  Now I absolutely LOVE cooking with it!  It's super versatile, provides as a pasta replacement, and fuels your body with its nutritious ingredients!

Spaghetti squash definitely needs some time to cook, so make sure you plan out your meal accordingly.  I try to make this on Sunday either for that night or for a meal I'm planning on that week.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Carefully (and you may want to enlist the help from your husband like I do) cut your squash in half.

3. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and membranes from inside.

4. Season the cut halves with salt and pepper.

5. Place the squash cut side down in a baking dish and fill the dish with 1/4 c. of water.

6. Bake your spaghetti squash for 1 hour.

7. When done, let your squash sit for at least 15 minutes so it can cool down.  Then, using a fork, scoop out the insides.  The squash will be strands and look like spaghetti!

For dinner tonight I made Skinnytaste's Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu using ground turkey.  

Here are some more recipes to use with your spaghetti squash:

Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

Spaghetti Squash Pesto with Tomatoes

Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Spinach 

Spaghetti Squash Fritters with Sriracha Mayonnaise 

{virtual} coffee dateI

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If we were having coffee this morning...the first thing I would shout is that we are homeowners!!!!

It still feels a bit surreal, and it is probably due to the fact that we've already lived in our home for four years now.  But we bought a home!  The Mr. and I feel like "official" adults.  At the same time, I've been struggling with feeling like we are "less than" because it's a condo, not a house.  But God has been reminding me over and over again what is means to live within our means, to live in a way where we are not house poor, and to be happy with what you have not what you want.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would tell that you that I'm incredibly grateful for my husband!  He has been working so hard with escrow, taking care of our paperwork, and keeping our stress levels down.  He amazes me all the time, I just love him so! 

If we were having coffee this morning...I would tell you that I am sick of being sick.  This cold of mine is just lingering around still, and I'm exhausted.  I'm pretty sure that I text the Mr. today that I felt like a walking zombie, and then I looked in the mirror at work and realized what my poor students saw today-a zombie.  

I've been giving myself grace, letting myself rest, but I'm ready for my energy to come back-for my body to feel back to normal-and to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would share that I am forever blessed by our church.  This past Monday they hosted a women's event, and let me tell you, they never disappoint.  Our speaker was just so inspirational and shared insight on 5 things she wished she knew when she was younger.  Let's just say that each of them definitely hit home with me.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would gush over the first baby gift we got on the mail this week!  

My sweet grandma bought us the baby food maker I registered for along with the sounds/light machine.  Leave it to me to be ecstatic over a baby food maker. But it steams and purees the veggies all in one!!!  I'm also pretty grateful that the Mr. appreciated my enthusiasm.  I just about teared up when we were talking about how our CSA box is going to become so useful when our little man is eating solids.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would tell you that I feel a bit behind in terms of preparing for labor.  Having a natural birth is something I value, but I know that I am going to definitely have to train for it.  Hypnobirthing?  Doulas?  My head is just spinning with choices, and I feel like I need to just make a decision and start getting to work on this! 

Have a lovely weekend beauties!!! 

today, I am thankful

Originally, this post was going to begin my prayers for our sweet son that is going to bless and change our lives forever this December.  As I sit here typing, I'm surrounded by blankets, tissues, tea, and E-mergency.  My eyes are watering, and that's just from the cold.  When I started thinking about our prayers, the tears immediately started gushing, so a change of direction was needed.  So today, I'm sharing the little things in life that are filling my soul with joy and gratitude:

+Panera Bread chicken noodle soup...I crave this soup every single time I'm sick 

+The sweetest students who have been bringing me tissues in the middle of my lessons.  This has never happened before, and I don't know how I got so lucky to be blessed by students who are so loving and giving.  They sure are taking care of me! 

+The coziest of blankets we picked up at Costco for only $15 this past weekend! 

+Parenthood and Grey's Anatomy, oh and New Girl and Revenge...TV is back!  But watching Parenthood and Grey's Anatomy back to back this past Sunday was a bad idea, way too many tissues were needed! 

+Trader Joe's harvest tea..I love you!  

+I came home Monday night from a long work day and an amazing women's event to the prettiest bouquet sitting on my kitchen counter.  I love this man who catches me off gaurd with "just because" flowers.  

+Last night at 7pm it was dark outside, there was a chill in the air, and I breathed in the first real feeling of fall.  

+We were talking about ways we are unique in my class a couple weeks ago and one student wrote "I'm God's little princess".  Oh, how I pray that our son will forever know he is God's little prince, that he is loved more than he can imagine, and is as bold as my sweet student. 

+Saturday night we went to my in-laws to celebrate my mother in laws birthday.  The Mr. and I decided to give the gift of dinner, so we cooked dinner for the entire family.  I love knowing my gifts, and cooking for others is definitely one of them.  But the sweetest moment was when my 3-year old niece said the prayer for dinner.  There are no words to describe hearing her tiny voice blessing our family.