Love Language

This is how I tell someone I love them.....

I make them a mason jar terrarium.

You should try it sometime,

it's so fun!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday ya'll!

Today, 

I am thankful for country music

and that it got me through a really rough week.

via

My love for country music started long ago,

most likely stemming from my deep, southern roots.

I love the stories that each song tells,

I love how fun it is to sing along to,

and I love how it makes me feel when I'm listening to it.

Makes me want to throw on a pair of boots,

grab some ice cold sweet tea

and hit the road!

Thank you Lord,

for country music!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday!

Today,

I am thankful for new relationships!

Loneliness has been a word I've used often since moving.

I've really been struggling...hard.

Before I even moved, 

I spent a great deal of time praying that the Lord would provide great community,

that He would bring new people into my life.

People who could be great friends,

who I could learn and grow from from.

I knew it wasn't going to be easy,

especially given my shy nature and the fact that 

I was leaving behind a solid community of people I love so deeply.

But, I knew I had to give it to God.

I had trust that He had great plans in store.

It hit me this past week just how much

God has been blessing me in this area.

Abundantly.

I have meet some truly wonderful people.

They have willingly taken me in and let me be a part of their lives,

and for that I am so thankful.

As I get to spend more time with them,

 I get to see just how crafty the Lord is.

And just how perfect His plan is.

I am learning

and I am being challenged.

But, I am so thankful for the blessings that are coming out of it...

these new relationships.

I can't wait to see what's in store!

What are you thankful for today?

CrockPot Chronicles: Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup

Are you ready for a fiesta in your mouth?

Perfect,

Here is the recipe to make it happen!

• 1 lb shredded, cooked chicken
• 1 (15oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
• 1 (10oz) can enchilada sauce
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (4oz) can chopped green chile peppers
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 (15oz) can black beans
• 1 (10oz) package frozen corn
• 7 corn tortillas
• vegetable oil

I planned on serving the soup for an early lunch,

so the night before I shredded my chicken,

 minced my garlic and chopped my onion.

I put them in containers and kept them in the fridge over night.

In the morning I placed the chicken, onion, 

garlic, tomatoes, chilies, chili powder and cumin in the Crockpot {1}.

I added 2 cups of water {2}

followed by the cans of enchilada sauce and chicken broth {3}.

Lastly I put in the corn and black beans and mixed it all together {4}.

I then left it to cook for about 3 1/2 hours on high.

Next step,

baking tortilla strips.

Preheated oven to 400 degrees.

I cut tortillas into strips and then

poured vegitable oil over them.

I Placed the strips on a backing sheet and baked them for about 10 mins.

When finished, I added salt to taste.

I topped the soup off with sour creme, 

cheddar cheese, avocado and tortilla strips.

Then BAM...

fiesta in your mouth!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday!

I can't believe how fast these weeks are going,

honestly time is flying by.

Today I am thankful for this guy...

My "little" brother Andrew.

I love the young man that he is growing to be.

I love seeing him when I come home.

I love the conversations we have.

I love that he is protective over me.

I am thankful for the special bond we have.

Maybe it's because we shared a room when we were young?....

Maybe it's because we are the 2 youngest children?...

Whatever the reason,

I am so thankful for it.

God thank you for the blessing that Andrew is in my life.

Thank you for bringing him into our family almost 18 years ago.

Thank you for the relationship we have,

that it is continuing to grow as the years go on.

What {or who} are you thankful for today?!...