Unto Us A Child Is Born

Today I'm baking pumpkin pies, making stuffing and sweet potatoes, and getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow! As usual I am feeling extra thankful this time of year. It's raining outside and it couldn't feel more like Thanksgiving time. Hence, my extra festive title.

We are having a baby! It still feels so surreal in some ways. I'm so thankful for so many friends that I have watched have babies and be amazing parents. I have examples to follow! And I'm so thankful for my amazing husband who will be the best.dad.ever!!!! So here's to this next stage of life, lots of mistakes, and a growing family!

We love little baby Kokash!

Taco Wednesday

Since moving to Amman there has been sooo much good and mixed in with it hard times and difficult adjustments. I'm a firm believer in pressing on toward the future and leaving the past behind- the importance of not looking back and comparing. But last week on one beautiful, unplanned, fateful day...we allowed ourselves a brief moment of looking back. Comparing our humble cooking to that of one of our past favorite taco spots!

When we were living in California one of our favorite things to do was hit up Taco Tuesday. Ever since I was a child we have been doing Taco Bell's version of the Taco Tuesday. My family ate enough tacos to win multiple t-shirts. There was some kind of competition going on back in those days. Whatever it was, I'm sure we won. Big families tend to have a head's up in any kind of eating competition. ;) As I grew my Taco Tuesday options expanded greatly. Living on the border of Costa Mesa/Santa Ana there was a plethora of discounted taco options on a Tuesday night. But our indisputable favorite was Cafe Rio and those sweet barbacoa tacos. We used to take turns going early to wait in line for them until we figured out the beauty of ordering ahead on the phone... Bingo!

Since moving away my husband and I have often talked about trying to make them on our own. And last week on that fabulous day- it happened! Thanks to a mouth watering recipe for the meat (but we used chicken- soooo good!) and an amazing tortilla recipe that doesn't use crisco. (Is it weird that I feel healthy because vegetable oil was used instead of crisco?!) I'm telling you, I almost cried from how delicious those tacos were! Thank God for whoever invented cooking and marinating meat in Coke. I'm a big fan!

Amazing Sweet Barbacoa recipe- here
Fabulous "Healthy" Tortilla recipe- here

Oh, Baby

We arrived back from a vacation in Budapest a few days ago. What an amazing time to get away from the daily routine for a little bit and regroup. So to ease ourselves back into the swing of things we threw a baby shower...and I mean, come on-could this momma be any cuter?

Since moving to Jordan I am constantly (honestly just about daily) asked about when I am having a baby. Children are considered a huge blessing. It's exciting for me to see some of my friends getting pregnant and having babies now.

I first sat down and chatted with Hanady over a cup of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. She told me her beautiful story of how she met her husband, the excitement of having a new baby, and the many work hours she puts in while pregnant. It was easy to be struck by her sweetness, kindness, and sincerity. I was honored to throw a little celebration for her. Can't wait to meet her beautiful baby girl in a couple of months!

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

You Are So Loved

Before my husband and I moved away we took a trip up the California coastline. We visited San Francisco, the Redwoods, Big Sur, Cambria, and a few other places along the way. What an amazing week to get away from the stresses of life and unplug for a little bit. I love times like that.

As human beings we all have different voices we are listening to that we shouldn't- voices of comparison, of not measuring up, of something in our brain that is just not thinking right! The pressures of daily life can just mess with us. I love that verse- In your light we see light. (Psalm 36:9) We need God's light on every situation. Without it we are just a mess.

Lately God has been speaking this to me- you are so loved. If we know we are loved by God we can do anything. Really. Anything. When we are operating out of the love God gives us we are not insecure, fearful, or doubting. We are not relying on the opinion or approval of others. It doesn't matter- because we are loved. It changes everything. It gives us the power and confidence to love others without being loved in return. It keeps us from self-pity and self-focus. It teaches us to love sacrificially the way Jesus did. It teaches us to die to self so that we might live life more abundantly. That is the life I want. The more abundant life.

So here is a reminder to myself and anyone else out there- you are loved!

Mountain Grandeur

I don't know what it is about this picture that I love so much. Maybe the peaceful landscape and the cute man beside me? Or that we are accidentally matching? Or that fact that it brings to mind the words of this hymn:

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze
Then sing my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

There were mountains around and more like a strong breeze! But still the words hold true! How great is our God!

Trees In The Desert

In a desert land we have found an amazing escape- the King Hussein Park. Filled with green trees and amazing landscapes. My husband and I often drive there for an evening walk. In the summer time it is literally overflowing with people having picnics...but in the winter, the beautiful winter, it feels as though  it is our own private park. We always marvel at the stunning park in the middle of a bustling, desert city. It is very near to our house and one of the things we enjoy most. Our trees in the desert.