just thoughts . . .

I've totally neglected my blog. Not sure how many people actually read and follow it, but here is a long awaited post, if only awaited by myself.

I have thought about blogging so many times since my last post. Each time I get overwhelmed with all the thoughts I have floating in my head. I can't seem to think of just 1 topic to write about. And so I finally buckled down and decided to just write. About whatever may come to my mind. So forgive me if this post is a little everywhere.

Life is a collection of seasons. My wise father has told me this many times. He has also told me on numerous occasions - "seasons change; let them".  The idea that life is made up of seasons appeals to me . . . the idea that seasons change unnerves me. I've been realizing something about myself - I love the idea of change, but when the change actually comes, I often buck it until I get re-adjusted. And once I'm adjusted again, I generally love the change that took place! Oh dear!

A recent season that has changed for me is my work situation. I am no longer nannying. I feel like a failure in admitting that watching 2 kids under the age of 2 was more than I could handle. I would get stressed out just thinking about going to work. The money was great but it wasn't worth the anxiety. I loved the job for a season, but the season had ended. And so now I am only working 2 scheduled days at the deli, picking up occasional days when I can. This is my first week having 3 days off and already I can feel the need to be kept busy. I've gone through the attic, getting rid of stuff and organizing. Tomorrow it's the closets. I cannot sit still.

And of course the big decision looming over our heads is whether or not to move to Texas. We are still prayerfully considering the possibility. We have set a deadline for ourselves to decide one way or another. And honestly, as hard as the idea of the change is for me, I want to go. I know God has bigger plans for Durrell and I then what we can see - it just takes us stepping out. And that is harder than I care to admit. 

So here's my long awaited blog post. I'm sorry to disappoint you with my thoughts. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed time with family like we did. Happy New Year! 

-A

I had a big long post typed out and then deleted it all to say:

I'm still alive! :)

where have I been?

I know it seems like I've gone MIA. I hate the word busy because it often sounds like an excuse to me. You only make yourself as busy as you want, right? Well I am very b u s y lately, and yes, it's by choice. This week for example has something planned every night and me working every day but Wednesday. But so far, I'm enjoying it. I may need a large does of quality time with hubby by the end of the week though. I don't do well with little time with him :)

I am organizing 2 open houses coming up in December (info below). Plus there will be a Christmas Market day in New Holland that my products will be a part of. That means I've got A LOT of things to make! I enjoy it, for sure. It does take the fun out of creating at times when there's a big demand and I just have to do a whole bunch at one time. 

Miss Lyss Designs has joined up with Kate's Creations and Essence to bring you a fun and creative Christmas open house. Come enjoy some yummy Christmas treats while you shop for those on your list!

*Miss Lyss Designs will be selling an array of hair accessories and jewelry. (www.facebook.com/misslyssdesigns)
*Kate's Creations will have beautiful Christmas decor such as wreaths and other flower arrangements to make your house look bright for the season. (FB search: Kates Creations)

*Essence's display will be made up of wonderful, all natural, made-from-scratch lotions.

Open House:

2 dates / 2 locations!

Tuesday, December 6

Drop in 6-9 PM

26 S. Fulton Street

Strasburg PA 17579

Saturday, December 10

Drop in 3-6pm

34 Diller Ave.

New Holland, PA 17557

Everything will be cash and carry. Cash and checks only.

Call Alyssa 717-669-1263 or Kate 717-598-2009 for more info or directions.

Besides all of that, Durrell and I have been doing a lot of processing. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are contemplating a big move. I am a planner; a detailed and organized person who goes crazy with disorder. At times the unknown drives me nuts to the point of tears. But Durrell and I are resting in God's peace, knowing that He directs our steps. We are trusting him to show us which path to take.

 

Book Cover Tutorial

I have a small Bible that I keep in my purse most of the time. It has also become my main Bible that I use. The poor little cover has seen it's better days . . .

I kept wanting to sew a book cover for it and never seemed to get around to it. Today was the day! I finally buckled down and made one after finding this tutorial. It was very easy except my first go I made it too small. So I opened up the seams and re - stitched it, this time sewing closer to the edge of the fabric. Also, don't round your corners. I thought I needed to for some reason but as you can see, my book has square corners! 

Finished product! (not a HUGE fan of the pink, but I have an excessive amount of pink fabric from a shower and am trying to get rid of it.)

I hot glued the buttons on but if you want to ensure they REALLY stay, you could sew them.

I added a little lace elastic loop on the back cover. I hot glued it. I may stitch over it to ensure it stays! 

So there you have it :)

long time no see . . . and Texas

I know it's been awhile! I apologize! I feel like I'm being stretched thin and oddly enough, I kinda like it! I like feeling busy (most of the time) - I tend to get more done when I have a full to do list. 

We just returned from a 5 day trip to Texas to visit my parents. AND here's the "cat out of the bag" - to look at housing, jobs and the general living of Texas. Yes, we are considering a move to Dallas, Texas in the near future. The main reason that draws us to Dallas is my parents, of course. Had they not moved there, I don't think I would ever consider Texas a possible place to live. But more than my parents, we found an amazing church that we connect with. A church that is where we are at and where we want to go spiritually.

When we tell people about this grand move, I know many think we are crazy. Why would Durrell leave his great job? Why would we sell our darling house that we just finished renovating?? Why would we leave family and friends behind?

and my questions is WHY NOT?


Durrell and I feel that life is too short to stay comfortable. Don't get me wrong - the thought of picking up everything and moving freaks me out at times! But when I think about staying where I'm at the rest of my life (location, job, spiritually etc.), I feel a restlessness well up inside me. I know some people can live in the same place and do the same thing all of their life - and there is nothing wrong with that! I guess Durrell and I are wired differently. 

And so, the adventure begins :) I'm so thankful that I have an amazing husband to walk with along this journey. Being married to my best friend makes life feel not so huge and scary. We're taking a day at a time, seeking God's direction for which path to take next. We know that if we don't do it, we'll always look back and say "what if".


So . . . a cute little house in New Holland will be up for sale come the beginning of the year or spring! :) Pass along the word :)

-A

DIY - shortening pants

2 posts in 1 day!!! WOW!!

I was browsing blog land when I came across a tutorial on how to shorten pants. I always seem to have a problem finding jeans that are the right length for me. I had a pair of jeans shortened as a teenager and they looked so dorky so I just deal with the length by rolling them up.

And then I found this blog!!

I tried it this after noon with a pair of jeans and they turned out a w e s o m e!!! You can't even tell they are shortened!

Kinda ridiculous how excited I am about this. A problem I've had for the past 10 years is solved!! :)

homemade granola

As I promised awhile ago, here is the homemade granola recipe I use :

Homemade Granola

Mix together in large bowl:

8 cups rolled oats

3 cups unsweetened coconut
(I don't add coconut - instead I add pecans or walnuts and more almonds)

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup olive oil

1 cup honey

1 tbsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix well and spread evenly onto baking sheets.

Bake 30min @ 315 degrees

busy-ness . . .

I am still alive. Besides working 4 days a week, my time is consumed with random busy work. Cleaning, cooking, Miss Lyss Designs, planning for our upcoming Texas trip . . . I have little inspiration for blogging lately.

But I'm still here :)

the little entrepreneur in me . . .

When I was a kid I somehow accumulated a large amount of seashells. I don't know if I got them at the shore myself or they were given to me. Either way, I tried to sell them at my parents yard sale. I eagerly sat waiting for someone to come and buy them for .10 each. Much to my delight, a lady came and offered to take the WHOLE bucket of sea shells (I don't remember the amount - probably like $3!). She wanted them for her flower beds! I was beyond delighted!

Since I was a kid I've loved "crafting". I was the kid that would go with my dad to his office and make something out of Scotch tape, scissors, paper, highlighters and the stapler. Through the years I've enjoyed making cards, jewelry, and random other little projects.

Since being married, I've jumped into the roll of being a house wife. I found that I enjoy cooking and making homemade food and yes, even cleaning! I've been too busy to craft between homemaking and work. Or maybe it was I didn't feel inspired. In the past few months, I've turned the office into a craft room. It's very temporary and un-pretty, but it's a place I can have everything out and accessible, including my sewing machine! I've come alive!!! As I mentioned in my last post, Miss Lyss Designs has been born in the past few weeks. It all started with making headbands for myself. It's something I enjoy, and the little entrepreneur in me is so excited to have people buying something I made!!!!!

I want woman to feel beautiful through my creativity. 

More than making a little extra money on the side, I want the buyers of my product to feel beautiful when they wear what I've created. Whether it's a mom having a bad hair day or a girl who just wants to feel a little more "dressed up", my prayer is that whoever's head my designs are on, they will KNOW they are beautiful. 

Oh Fall, how I love you!

I have been thoroughly enjoying life the past couple of weeks. I feel energetic, excited and at times giddy. The fall season has something to do with that, I know. Here are some other things I've been up to that have brought me joy:

Date night with my hubby! We went to Second Friday in Lititz. Grabbed coffee/tea at the Tomato Pie Cafe and then walked around and checked out the shops! A great and relaxing night :)

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Shoe rack!!

Durrell build me a new shoe rack for the laundry room closet. We had a dumb one from Walmart that was tilted and shoes wouldn't stay on. 

stained and in use!

my hubby is a w e s o m e!!!!

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HAIR CUT!!

before (in the early morn before work and no makeup)

after!!!!!

I liked the look of having long hair - WHEN I took the time to style it. But it took me an hour to actually blow dry it, and then straighten or curl it. I just don't feel like taking that much time to look good! So it ended up in a pony tail most of the time. Sooooo I decided to chop it off!!! And l o v e it.

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Crafting and fall decorating . . .

my wreath I made

I think I've inherited my mom's enjoyment of decorating for each season. When I lived at home my mom would decorate for each season and even some holidays like July 4th and valentines day. I used to think she was crazy sometimes but now find joy in decorating for the seasons too :)

My front porch has a mum and pumpkins. Fall is fav season of mine to decorate for! 

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Miss Lyss

Designs

  

One of the most exciting things currently is the beginning of my small at home business called Miss Lyss Designs. It all began with my sis in law showing me how to make fun flowers on a hair clip. I've become obsessed! I make and wear them often and have people asking "where did you get that". I decided to begin making them to sell!! I now have a facebook page that you can order my creations and have also put some of my pieces at a local hair salon. It has made me feel so alive to have people love my work! It's also a great little side job that brings in some extra spending money for me :)

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So that's my life from the past few weeks in a nut shell! My hubby has been so wonderfully supportive of my time in the craft room. I can't imagine my life without him being by my side. He's the best!!!!!!

Crock Pot Apple Butter (no sugar added)

I love autumn here in Pennsylvania. The crisp mornings, cool evenings and changing leaves. The excitement and anticipation of the upcoming fairs. Fresh apples and everything pumpkin! Yes, autumn is probably as equally my favorite season as spring.

I went to my favorite local orchard store and bought some sweet apples and some tart apples. I decided to make some apple butter!! Here's the recipe . . .  so easy!

Crock Pot Apple Butter

(no sugar added)

8 medium sized apples (peeled, cored and sliced)

3 cups apple cider (no sugar added)

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

- Put apples and all other ingredients in crock pot. Set cooker to low and let simmer 12 - 15 hours, stirring occasionally (makes the house smell a m a z i n g!!)

- Once apples have browned and most of the juices have been reduced, use an immersion blender (or regular blender) and blend until smooth

- If apple butter still has a big of liquid in it, place in a pot on top of the stove and cook uncovered on Medium until juiced evaporate to desired thickness. 

- Put in jars/containers once cooled. Keeps 3 - 4 months in fridge.

I love to eat this with pretzels. Weird, I know. Hubby likes it with his cottage cheese. It's so yummy I can eat it by itself by the spoonful :)

Happy autumn! 

homemade yogurt

I am blessed to live here in Lancaster County where down on the farm traditions such as canning, preserving and home made things are still being passed down from older generations. Now that I am married I truly appreciate the inherited knowledge. I love being able to go down many of the back country roads here and find a road side stand with locally fresh produce or dairy. It makes my heart giddy to buy such yummy goods!

Durrell eats a yogurt a day in his packed lunch. When we first got married, I hated buying the little cups of sugar filled, flavored yogurts. It went against everything in me to feed my hubby that stuff. Plus, those little things are expensive! I began buying a large container of plain yogurt and adding my own flavorings (maple syrup, no sugar added jelly, etc), then dividing it up into smaller, re-usable containers for him.

My mom-in-law is great at canning and making her own things and has shown me how to make my own homemade yogurt!! It's so easy and YUMMY! Durrell loves it with some homemade granola (recipe to come for that). I thought I would share the recipe with you all.

Home Made Plain Yogurt

(Recipe makes 2 gallons. I generally cut the recipe in half and make only 1 gallon)

- 2 gallons of milk (I use raw milk, fresh from a local farm but you can use bought milk too)

- 1/4 cup water

- 1/4 cup unflavored gelatin (it's like jello, but unflavored. I found this in the bulk section of a local store)

- 2 cups of plain yogurt (this acts as a starter - I buy WalMart's brand which works great!)

- meat thermometer 

- ice chest

- Heat milk to 180 degrees on Medium-low heat stirring occasionally with a whisk. Use the meat thermometer to check temperature. It is important that you don't let the milk boil or it will burn. 

- Once the milk has reached 180 degrees, mix the gelatin and water together in a bowl and add to milk. Stir the milk for a few minutes with a whisk after adding the gelatin to ensure it hasn't settled on the bottom. 

- Let milk cool to 110 degrees and add the 2 cups of plain yogurt. Stir. (the mixture will still be a liquid)

- Pour milk mixture into jars (I usually get 4 quarts and a pint) and put lids on

- fill the ice chest with hot tap water (enough water to at least cover jars).

- put jars in the ice chest and close the lid for 6 - 8 hours. (The heat causes the liquid to gel)

Don't be alarmed if when you get the jars out the yogurt is still a little runny. Shake them really well and place them in the fridge. Most times it will gel after being chilled. 

TIPS:
- Don't mix the gelatin and water until you are ready to add to the milk. 

- Make sure you stir continuously with a whisk after adding the gelatin to the milk 

- I tried only heating the milk to 110 degrees so as not to kill all the good stuff in the milk but I didn't have success with the end result. I figure it's still better than buying sugary store bought stuff.

- If it stays runny and doesn't gel after chilling, don't get discouraged! Try again. You can always use the runny stuff for shakes or smoothies! (I've had a few runny batches and still can't figure out why)

- Add your flavoring after it has been chilled

And this is my end result!

Oh how I love being a wife and homemaker :)

I mentioned in my last post about my hubby's birthday dinner he prepared for me at the park. Here are some pictures from that night . . . 

Zucchini and Chicken! Mmm.

The following pictures are what happens when you set the camera on self timer rapid shot :)

Starbucks and my birthday present from Durrell.

I love my husband :)

birthdays and a good attitude

I turned 25 on Monday. 

I am a birthday fanatic. I love celebrating any way possible with as much fuss as possible (whether it's my birthday or someone else's). It is the one day a year where the day is all about YOU!!

This year, I had a hard time embracing my birthday. I felt old - not because of the number, but because my child like spirit seemed to have forgotten to show up this year. The anticipation and excitement was swept under the rug by work and commitments. This is also the first year that my parents are in Texas - so no birthday dinner or celebrating with them until a later date.

My hubby has done an amazing job at trying to embrace my love for birthdays. He grew up in a family that celebrated birthdays more casually than my family. He tries so hard to be creative and make the day special for me. On my birthday eve he gathered up food and his portable grill and took me to a park for a little picnic. After dinner and a walk, he took me to the mall to pick out a pair of Converse shoes I have been wanting. He did a great job at creating a fun and relaxing celebration for me.

To be honest, I have been having a pity party for myself. Sad that I didn't get a cake or a big fuss. Sad that certain people didn't remember or send cards. And then today I read the words of a fellow blogger - "My spirit was dry because I had not been feasting on living water. I had not been leaning on the only REAL source of fulfillment and joy available to me." And it hit me. My spirit is dry. My life has become about ME and not taking time for the One who gives me joy and LIFE. Because of this, I have been looking inward, at my discontentment or wants instead of looking outward at the many blessings and joys in my life. As I sit here and reflect on my many blessings, I realize that I had a great birthday. It may have looked and felt a little different than other years, but it was still great.

I have a thankful heart today. I woke up and was laying in bed for awhile this morning - just thinking. I feel so thankful for so many things, but this morning, I am so thankful for family. Family God has placed in my life biologically and also the ones that I have gained through marriage.

Last night we hung out with Dallas, Durrell's younger brother, and his girlfriend Shanna. Dallas is leaving for a 2 year college in Michigan on Monday to train for missionary aviation. Shanna has just recently joined the Glick clan and we love her! I was so glad to spend one last eve with them together before Dallas takes off.

Love you Dallas! We're so proud of you and can't wait to see all the big things God has in store for you come to life. We'll miss you randomly stopping by the house AND I'll miss you eating my food and commenting on how good it is:)  

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Remember last Saturday when I was feeling ambitious and Durrell and I didn't have much planned? Well, we ended up playing tourists for a day around town! We toured the Kitchen Kettle Village and then did some wine tasting at the Mount Hope Winery. It was a fun, relaxing day.

And last but not least . . . 

I came home from work on Wednesday to find a package from Overstock.com on my doorstep.

THANK YOU MOM, for my early, awesome birthday present!! I love it! 

We've already used it twice! You're the best :)

A popcorn popper!!! 

And today we have no real agenda again. This is wonderful. We will make breakfast together and then who knows what?? What a great way to spend a Saturday - just me and husband and whatever else is a bonus. 

Happy weekend! 

R A W.

When I began this blog, I didn't really have a theme or agenda for it. My main purpose was to give my parents (who live in Texas) updates on our life. I thought maybe I'd post how-to's about my many crafty projects, but that's just not me. I get so engrossed in the project that I forget to stop and take pictures as I'm doing it. I thought maybe a photo blog, but somehow lately I forget to take pictures or simply don't feel like it. And lastly I've debated about how personal to make this blog. Since I have no clue who stumbles upon it, do I share personal thoughts?? Do I let my guard down and spill my guts?

Yesterday, after a somewhat emotional day, I decided to just be raw. This blog is a reflection of my life, and at times, I feel raw.

raw

adjective /rô/  rawer, comparative; rawest, superlative

"In its natural state; not yet processed or purified." 

Do you ever realize things about yourself that you don't like, and get really frustrated because you want to change NOW? I feel like right now, I am in that very raw state. I am seeing behavior patterns or selfish desires that I wish weren't there. Maybe I am going through a refining process, but why does it feel like it will never end?

My husband is amazing. Growing up with 5 brothers and only 1 sister (who is the youngest), I think the poor boy was in for a shock when he realized how emotional I can be. He is always supportive, patient, reasonable and does his best attempt to understand my feelings.  He is the perfect match for me. 

Durrell and I are going through a season of change. It is a time of really seeking God and making some big decisions that will ultimately change our life as we know it. It is exciting and a little scary at times. Yesterday the morning air felt like fall. I got excited for the fall season to approach, but also a little sad to see summer go. I felt God drop into my spirit a saying my dad says "Life is but a collection of seasons". It was a good reminder to me that seasons in life come and go. Not matter where we are, I want to embrace all that life has to offer.

This post was a perfect example of my thoughts that at times seem disorganized and all over the place. I want to be transparent - not just online, but in real life. It's easy for me to act like I have it all together and sometimes in that, I think I come across as unapproachable. Well, I've got junk too, just like everyone else. Here's to being raw. And just living life as the person God created me to be. 

-A

feeling ambitious . . .

It's Saturday morning. I got up at 7:30 to have breakfast with my 2 lovely friends, Tanya and Christina. It has been way too long since we have had breakfast together. So wonderful to be with them again and catch up on life.

And now I'm home. Feeling ambitious but without any real plans. Hubby is out washing Sophi (my car). We have tossed around the idea of playing tourist today in our own town. Who knows where we'll end up! I love having days off with no real agenda. I think a nap will be in the plan later today (of course!)

While I'm feeling energetic, I will post the 3 pictures I took on family vacation. Yes, I slacked majorly this year! We went to the annual Glick vacation spot of Spruce Lake Retreat in the Poconos. Durrell and I tented. It rained this year, but thankfully our tent didn't take on much water. 

Durrell making breakfast in our cast iron skillet  that we got at his grandparents sale! 

My awesome fam that I married into!
(ladies shopping trip!)




Sad I didn't take more pictures. There were 20 of us this year camping (that's just Durrell's immediate family). Very different from my family (there's only 4 of us in my immediate family!) but very fun! Always something happening and never a dull moment. I am blessed to be a part of now 2 great families.




And with that posted, I am off to spend the day with my man. Happy weekend! 

photo craze

I'm not really sure if anyone reads this blog. Sometimes I wonder why I feel compelled to post. Maybe, just  maybe someone reads my random updates (I think my mom still does:) )

My best friend got married on July 17th and I was honored to be her right hand woman. Dan, her now husband, is an Aussie. They were and will continue to live in Australia, though the wedding was in western Canada - where Kristi is from. I flew in a week before the wedding to spend some quality time with my bestie - before our men and other guests arrived. What a wonderful time we had together.

"quading" aka 4-wheeling

Kristi's hometown bridal shower

The day Dan arrived (groomsman Josh from AUS on the right)

Rehearsal dinner - bridesmaids (minus 1)

My parents came!

What a wonderful celebration of friendship and love. Love you Dan and Kristi!!!