What's your word?

It was a good night. The table was decorated with chocolate fondue and all the dippers. Surrounded by some of the best women I know, I was thankful that we decided to honor our annual Christmas ornament exchange once again. Toward the end of our night, one friend posed the question, "If you had to choose one word by which you hope to live in 2016, what word would you choose?" 

I'm not one for resolutions, but I'm always up for a good word challenge. The first to go said joy. So she took my word, no worries. The next, intentional joy. Are phrases acceptable now? Victory. Peace. Crap. I'm next. 

See that picture up there? That's my family. I couldn't love them any harder if I tried. I'm a wife, yes, and a mother, but those aren't the only two roles I fill. I'm also a teacher. I'm a sister, daughter, friend, Christian, book worm, antique store drifter, dog lover, Netflix junkie, wine enthusiast, aspiring writer, wanderlust; you get the picture. I wear many hats, pursue many passions, and I want to be my best at everything I do. It's an impossible feat, really, and what ensues as a result? Guilt. Then on the rare occasion when there actually happens to be an absence of guilt, I feel guilty for not feeling guilt. My story isn't any different from any other woman. Except on this one night there was a word challenge coming my way and a table full of women reminding me of God's grace.

Live. In 2016 I want to live simply yet deeply. I want to live with a reasonable sense of abandonment so as to say "yes" to taking a break from grading in order to play blocks, kitchen, and dolls before the blocks, kitchen, and dolls are no more. I want to get lost in a page and a metaphor or forget the time while I maneuver among antique plates. I want to laugh at myself in the classroom and celebrate even the smallest successes. I want to know Christ and revel in His word. I want to shake off the guilt and live. Then, I want to write my story. So I'm back to fill this space. It's as simple as that, y'all.

My word is live. 

How We Met Sweet Finley Anne

You may not have noticed, but I've taken a small hiatus from blogging for probably the best reason ever: caring for two beautiful babes! Finley Anne took her first breath at 3:19 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, and, man, was she ready to greet the world. I labored at home for about four hours before we decided to call Chad's parents to pick up Nora so we wouldn't have to worry about the hand-off as the labor progressed. Good thing we called when we did because during the 25 minutes it took his parents to get to our house my contractions went from 8 to 3 minutes apart, at which point I made Chad speed race down the highway. When we got to the hospital, I pleaded my case for an epidural - begged, I think, at one point - but baby girl wasn't having any of that. In less than 45 minutes, Chad and I met sweet Finley and fell in love. Hard. Since Nora's labor was so slow moving, we didn't expect Finley's to be so quick! I may have harmed a nurse's hand in the process, Chad's too, but Finley came au natural. Y'all, there are no words for the pain, but, the labor experience and recovery were a thousand times better than the first time around. Maybe it's because my body was all "Been there, done that", but I'm continually amazed by what the human body is designed to do. God is so good. I'm so thankful for the two precious gifts that make me a mama. Nora Evelien and Finley Anne, I love you. 

You mean I have to make dinner, too?

Yes, yes I do. Sometimes I find that, after a long day, cooking dinner feels comparable to climbing Everest. But, the family's got to eat! Here are a few of my most recent go-to dinner recipes. Disclaimer: These do not adhere to any New Year Resolution or Whole-30 diet. They do, however, satisfy this pregnant mama's hunger and need for quick and easy. 

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chile { I chose low sodium options for the canned goods the second time around as I found the original recipe to be too salty for my preference. Great served over rice! }

Creamy Chicken and Rice { I skipped the wine and bay leaves and substituted mushrooms for the carrots. Loads of leftovers to freeze! }

Skillet Lasagna { I'm not a red meat girl, so I substitute ground turkey for the beef. I usually skip the onion and cheese and add either chopped zucchini or bell peppers. Also, double the recommended portion of tomato paste. }

Greek Chicken Salad { Nothing special here, but I do marinate the chicken overnight in olive oil and a Greek spices mixture from my hometown. You can buy your own spices here. They ship! }

Grilled Cheese and Soup { Again, certainly not anything gourmet, but oh-so-delicious and perfect for these cold nights! I'm a grilled cheese dunker, and my favorite soup right now is Trader Joe's Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper! } 

What are your favorite weeknight crowd pleasers? I'd love to hear!