Spicy Magnolia

I Wanna Be Like Molly

It's Friday!  I love Fridays, don't you?  Our weekend plans are still up in the air, but they will mostly consist of doing fun things on our "to-do" list:  either working some more on the nursery with my folks or Christmas shopping.  My goal is to get Christmas shopping done and packages mailed off by Thanksgiving this year.  I have a lot that I'm aiming to get done over the next few weeks, and I haven't been listening very well to the precious people in my life who are telling me not to stress out about it all.  I'm trying, but I'm doing so rather reluctantly.  I'm the type of person that can't rest until things are in a certain order that I want them to be in.  Can anyone relate to that?  While that's not necessarily all bad, I can also take it to such extreme that I put aside what should be top priorities and I start affecting others around me, namely dear hubby.  Matt, my parents, and friends have been so gracious in helping and encouraging; it's totally me that allows myself to stay in such a tizzy.

A precious lady whom I meet with regularly challenged me greatly in several different areas yesterday, in a way that was very much needed and good for me to hear.  At the same time, I didn't really want to hear them.  I am having a difficult time choosing right priorities the last few weeks.  Instead, the list of things to do keeps whirling around in my head, when I lay in bed, when I wake up...constantly.  So I end up choosing to do the things on my list, which means sacrificing my daily time with the Lord and being in His Word.  No wonder why I can be so frazzled and overwhelmed!?  I'm so bent on getting the things accomplished that I want to get accomplished (in the way AND time in which I want them) that I'm leaving no room in my day for the Lord to have His way and agenda, and the bent is so strong that I lack even the desire to let Him be Master of the day. 

It's also affecting the tone I set for our home.  Hubby has been up past 1 a.m. each night this week and has a big week at work ahead of him next week ending with an all-night launch and a weekend on-call.  Let me just list a few things you can do that will make your husband feel like home is not any different from work:

• Not stopping what you're in the middle of doing (when it is possible to do so) to greet him when he gets home, and greeting him in such a way that makes him feel like he's robbed you of your focus and time on what you were working on
• Immediately hitting him with the question, "What are we gonna get done tonight on our to-do list?"
• Sending him off to work right after breaking out in hysterics that we're not going to get done all that we need to and listing point by point what we still need to do
• Not taking the time to feed him a well nourished meal when there was definitely time and energy to do it, just not a willingness to do it.  Instead, he gets bowls of cereal or McDonald's for supper
• Centering conversations around your day and what is left to do without even asking him how he's doing; encouraging him in how well he's doing; and sharing with him how appreciated he is

Those are just a few.  I got more.  And I got a lllloooonnnggg learning curve ahead of me, Internet peeps.  It was like a light bulb went off in my head yesterday meeting with my friend:  I really have not put hubby's interests above my own, and the atmosphere of our home has not been the most welcoming refuge for Matt to come home to after a long day at work.  My lack of being with the Lord and in His Word hugely contributes to those things as well because without that time, I'm anxious, focused on myself, worrying, and not relying on Him to help and lead me throughout the day. 

So last night, I made itty bitty steps to make sure I had a healthy dinner ready for hubby with some relaxing music playing and was conversational about other things than our task list.  I even excitedly listened to him show me how he organizes his iPhone applications.  He was like a kid in a candy jar!  Be rest assured, however, that the nice dinner and conversation were after my first blunder of letting, "Didn't you get my message?  You were supposed to stop at CVS on the way home," be the first things out of my mouth when he pulled into the garage.  Oh, that I would be more like Molly in how I greet him when he gets home:  wildly enthusiastic that her bestest bud is now at home with her. 

Tonight, I might take hubby to Starbucks to hang out there, or we may just want to have a relaxing night at home watching last night's episode of the The Office that we didn't get to see (which I hear was really good).  That means I have to set aside my desire to make those last few phone calls to wrap up loose ends on one of our to-dos.  I think it will be worth it, don't you?

<sigh>  I'm always learning.  Sometimes begrudgingly and stubbornly.  But thank the Lord for people who come alongside us and encourage us in truth, even when we may not want to hear it, but at just the right times that we need to hear it.  And thank the Lord for puppies, who teach us a whole heck of a lot sometimes about love.

Historic Events

As we all now know, Barack Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States.  I'm still trying to wrap my mind around all that has taken place over the last 16 hours and my varying emotions surrounding this historic election.  I'll admit, the spectrum of what I feel about it all is quite confusing, and it might take some time for me to figure it all out, if I can.  On one hand there are aspects of the election that are unsettling to me and on the other hand, it's quite exciting to be a part of an historic, remarkable event such as electing the first African American president.  On top of all of that, today is just an "off" day for me; I feel very blah.  Is it possible to have baby blues before the baby is here? 

Because of all that, I know I'm not going to be able to write a post that is interesting, worth reading, or that makes sense.  So I'm going to direct you to two posts that I think are worth reading today <grin>.  The first is The LPM Blog.  Beth Moore wrote a great, Spirit-directed post this morning that was very appropriate to wake up to.  Entitled "A United House", it not only was encouraging but the Lord used it to bring to my attention some wrong attitudes I've had toward fellow believers in Christ who think differently than I do.  Click here to read it. 

The other blog post I hope you take a moment to read is written by a friend of ours who recently moved to Nairobi, Kenya for overseas diplomatic work.  He reports of Kenya's enthusiastic response to the election turnout.  It intrigued me greatly, and reading some of the things he wrote about spark my interest and trigger the side of my emotions that feel some excitement and hope.  Click here to read the post "Obamaphoria in Kenya". 

As a random thought, I'm sure curious to know what is taking place in the heavenlies right now!  I loved how Amanda finished off her blog post today with the following statements:  What does He require of little ole me today and everyday? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God. (Micah 6:8)

The Foodie's Fall Cornucopia, Week 7: Roasted Green Chile & Potato Soup

Anyone in the mood for a nice bowl of soup to warm your innards?  I'm hoping that fixing a bunch of meals for dinner this week that will warm me and hubby up through and through will bring on the cold weather!  We need some north, cold air comin' our way. 

One of the season's best culinary delights that is often overlooked are roasted green chiles.  Late August is the peak harvest season, but because they freeze so well, it's a great veggie to use in the fall to create meals that keep you toasty warm.  Depending upon your location, you may not be very familiar with this gem.  Having grown up in El Paso, fresh, Hatch green chiles were a staple in our household.  To this day, we're able to time visits to the southwest region just right in order to stock up on an annual supply of roasted green chiles that can be frozen and used throughout the year, whenever our tongues fancy the taste.  Just this past weekend, my Daddy made his signature homemade green chile sauce for green chile enchiladas, and he and Momma were kind enough to share!  So tonight, Matt and I will dig into some dern good homemade green enchiladas, and my mouth is already watering. 

In honor of green chiles and another seasonal favorite (potatoes), here is a great recipe for Roasted Green Chile and Potato Soup.  It's another easy recipe and full of flavor.  Don't dismiss it if you don't have access to roasted green chiles (which Texans in these here parts might still be able to find in the freezer section of Central Market); you can easily use canned green chiles from the supermarket.  Your supermarket may even carry canned, roasted Hatch green chiles.  This recipe is courtesy of With Love, From Cynthia, owner and operator of The Peach Tree Tea Room in Fredericksburg, TX.  I've made this recipe before and loved it, but I don't have a picture of it now because it's on my menu for later this week...I gotta indulge in my Daddy's green enchiladas first before makin' somethin' else!

Roasted Green Chile and Potato Soup

4 cloves fresh garlic, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 pound bacon, sliced
2.5 pounds red potatoes, 1-inch cubes (about 5 medium sized potatoes)
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cups green chiles, roasted, peeled and chopped (chopped, canned green chiles work well, too)
1 pinch baking soda to prevent curdling
1 cup evaporated milk
salt and pepper to taste

• In a large stock pot, saute garlic, onion, and bacon until onions are just tender.
• Add potatoes, chicken broth, and cumin.  Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
• When done, add green chiles, soda and evaporated milk.  Coarsely mash potatoes with a potato masher.
• Stir well and taste for salt and pepper (may need more salt since you're working with potatoes).  Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.  Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and finely chopped green onions, or grated Cotija cheese and chopped pepitas (sunflower seeds pulled from the shell).

Serves 8-10


If you're in the mood for soup, but a flavorful, spicy soup isn't quite gonna hit the spot, peruse on over to BooMama's Souptacular/Crockpotalooza extravaganza!  There are over 130 recipes of favorite soup and crock pot recipes that her readers submitted and it's worth a gander.  

And here's your opportunity to share a favorite fall recipe you've posted on your blog using Mr. Linky below.  Be sure to link to your specific blog post.  We're nearing the end of "The Foodie's Fall Cornucopia Series", so be sure to take advantage! 

Oh, and if there is some nagging thought in your mind of an excuse or reason not to go vote, don't listen to it...go vote! 

A Whole Lot To Be Thankful For

Ready to go, parked at the lovely Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort where we stayed for our babymoon, ready to head to my parents' place to grab a bite for lunch and pick up Molly, we weren't in the car more than 3 minutes before I burst into tears.  Our amazingly memorable babymoon was over.  Our lives that we've loved and grown accustomed to are two months away from completely changing.  I was overcome by the grief of a fantastic vacation coming to an end and the onset of letting go of a life I've loved.  Yes, it may sound dramatic.  I am dramatic...and a very emotional gal.  And while I don't want to downplay the anticipation of meeting my little, growing baby, I will honestly confess there is a level of grief I have over the oncoming changes and having to surrender all that I've been content with and loved about my life with Matt and Molly. 

Graciously comforting me as I shed tears and grasped for breath, my hubby encouraged me to think of all the things about our babymoon that I was thankful for.  Instead of focusing on our getaway coming to an end and aching over starting the week, my mindset was encouraged to fondly remember all that we'd been blessed by the past 5 days, with thanksgiving.  So in honor of keeping with that theme, I thought I'd give you, in list format, some details about our babymoon that I am so thankful for, because it truly was a huge gift! (You can click on the images to enlarge and use your arrow keys to scroll side to side or up and down.)

I'm thankful for...

• Early voting and no lines!  Before heading out of town last Wednesday, we voted and didn't have to wait at all.  I quadruple checked my ballot before submitting it, wanting to make sure I was voting for my select choices.
• Coming up with a clear focal point.  Doctors say one of the things to bring to the hospital for your labor and delivery is a focal point:  an object or picture for inspiration.  On our drive to San Antonio, we read through all the info given to us at our childbirth class last week and we practiced breathing techniques again.  It was also very clear what should be my focal point that could help bring inspiration and calmness:  a picture of Molly and my stuffed animal Molly!  Yes, it may sound ridiculous, but that puppy seriously helps me; if Matt could sneak that dog into the hospital, he totally would, 'cause he knows full well she has a way of relaxing me.  
• An awesome gift basket made with lots of love!  We dropped Moos off at my folks' place for her weekend of play with 3 other puppies.  Awaiting us was an amazing gift basket put together by my Momma.  It had crackers, cheese, fruit, a non-alcoholic white zinfandel (which helped curb my craving for the real thing), homemade brownies and chocolate covered strawberries, two silver wine glasses used by my parents on their wedding day, beautiful flowers, and a generous gift card to The County Line.   Our babymoon was also an early anniversary celebration for us (we'll celebrate 6 years in December), and this was such a special anniversary gift to receive...what a surprise!  On Thursday, we sat by the pool all afternoon munching on our goodies and toasting to 6 wonderful years and a baby on the way.
• A king-sized bed!  Ha!  Having made our reservations through Priceline, we called to confirm we could receive a king-sized bed (we couldn't select the size we wanted online), and were told we'd have two double beds unless we paid a lot more money.  Yes, it sounds funny, but we were just gonna manage and leave it that way.  So we were pleasantly surprised to discover upon our arrival that we'd been given a king-sized bed at no extra cost.
• The quietness and peacefulness of the remote location of our hotel, as well as being some of the only ones there.  Because it was the off-season, we were practically the only ones there and it was quite pleasant.
• Our games of ping-pong by the pool.  I hardly ever play, but Matt has played lots.  Little did I realize he was sparing me his real moves until I got a little prideful in how I was doing and got one of his fancy spins.  We had a blast playing together.
• Rest and relaxation!  Spending a day by the pool, or in bed watching college football, or just sleeping in, walking along the nature trails, watching movies, or reading to each other...we were sure to soak up all the r&r we could get.
• Being with each other 24/7.  It was "heaven", and so good for us to get away from our current task-oriented mindset we have at home that has recently left us a bit stressed out and more prone to bickering.  But we were able to thoroughly enjoy each other, laughing a lot and getting to let down.
• Great food...like fresh omelets, The County Line homemade bread and bar-b-que, chocolate covered strawberries, and sticky bun French toast...oh ya, baby!
• Receiving an unexpected $150 off our hotel incidentals.  The hotel was offering $150 off our hotel expenses if we'd be willing to take a 90 minute personal tour of their new vacation club down the road.  While the tour was great, don't get me started on the split personality of our guide!  When we said "no" to the $34k expense, he became quite rude and wanted to know why we didn't have room in our budget for such a thing and asked how we'd ever be able to go on the vacations we told him were our dream spots.  It was a shocking personality shift, but so worth the $150 discount!
• The wonder and magic of Sea World and the $10 we found on the ground walking into the park that paid for the fish we fed to the dolphins.  We practically had the whole park to ourselves and Matt was able to go to the front of the lines for the two roller coaster rides that had him grinning like a little boy!  We LOVED feeding and petting the dolphins (they are the sweetest things); watching Shamu (it never loses its wonder); walking hand-in-hand on a lovely day; and seeing a cute Dalmatian that travels with The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Horses hitch.

• A perfect table right by the river at The County Line on the River Walk.  After a day of resting and watching college football, we got cleaned up and headed out for an early dinner on the beautiful River Walk.  The food was scrumptious and then we enjoyed a leisurely riverboat tour before heading back to the hotel and watching the incredible TX vs. TX Tech game.  Incredible not because TX lost but because it was a dern good game! 

• Getting some cute pictures of Mac and Julie emailed to us of their costumes!  Aren't they cute as The Super Mario Brothers, Mario and Luigi? 
• An extra hour of sleep because of the clock rollin' back!  Woohoo! 
• Having a few hours to visit with my Daddy and Mommy.  We enjoyed their company while devouring some infamous Longhorn Cafe burgers.  It was fun (and weird) seeing my childhood crib set up in one of their bedrooms...Polka's a comin'!  And Miss Molly had an awesome play-fest with all the puppies...she has since crashed and burned because it took so much energy to play.
• Polka's crazy moves that Matt finally caught with his very own eyes!  We've had a hard time getting Matt to see the waves and strange moves of my belly that Polka makes, but the past few days he was able to see Polka in action.  It makes us giggle!  So far, Polka is a gentle rumbler; the kicks aren't hard--more like a wave, but the little one likes to move more and more.
• Shepherding a Child's Heart.  We're into the 3rd chapter of this wonderful book and each chapter has golden nuggets we're pondering.  It's already seriously challenging me and shaking up my own views of parenting that come quite naturally to me.  More on this later, but it's been very good...and stretching!
• Knowing that this isn't the last time we'll get away!
• Being a team together through this new adventure we're on.
• A splendid babymoon/6 year anniversary getaway!
• A hubby that reminds me to be thankful and helps me every step of the way!

A Favorite Pumpkin

This was one of the pumpkins among several decorated for a contest at the hotel we're staying at for our babymoon; it happened to be one quite amusing pumpkin and one of the most creative.  However, it will not be a classic...it's just a temporary, 2008 political icon.