The Holy Spirit

Guess who I just spent 2 hours with?! 

God

It was pretty amazing and very eye opening. 

I learned about the Holy Spirit. Who He is and the role He plays in our life. Until today I didn't fully understand the Spirit. I never really thought much about Him, and for that matter I never thought of the Spirit as a "Him" until today. 

For me it was just the words I had said and memorized since I was young. 'In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.' These became words that just flowed off my tongue, that I heard my pastor say Sunday after Sunday. Not until today, the 6th day of my 26th year, did I question who the Holy Spirit was, what His role is, and how He shapes my day to day life. 

The thing about the Spirit though is He has always been there, with me, in me, surrounding me - pretty amazing huh?!

He is the Helper, the one who guides us through this Earthly life and directs our hearts into truth. The one who helps us figure out The Word - and maybe now that I recognize Him, the word will be easier for me to read!

I have no doubt the Holy Spirit helped me in my lesson today, and now that I understand Him a little better I know my journey will be guided towards the truth; the ultimate Truth that God wants me to know!

Do you know the Holy Spirit? I would love to hear how He impacts your life

National Ag Day 2014

Today is National Agriculture Day. 

I am passionate about this day. 

I grew up in an Ag family

I graduated with a minor in Ag

I married into an Ag family

I work in the Ag industry

All of this is well and good but one thing I want to get better at is educating non-Ag people. Agriculture is a part of every single person's day whether they realize it or not.

I am not claiming to be an expert because there are so many things I myself have yet to learn … so let's learn together!!

Here is some Food For Thought brought to you by America's Farmers:

Do you know what America’s farmers grow? You may think you know the answer but they do so much more than grow crops and raise animals.
For example, did you know America’s farmers grow 23 million American jobs? That’s right; the American agriculture industry supports 23 million U.S. jobs, making them the largest employer in the nation. America’s farmers also grow the economy with a trade surplus of 34 billion dollars – that’s more than any other U.S. industry.
Not only do they grow the crops that feed, clothe, and fuel us but they do it all on less land. In fact, just to equal the amount of food grown today farmers from 50 years ago would need their fields to cover every square inch of the U.S.
Yep, America’s Farmers grow a lot more than just crops.
America’s farmers grow America.

So let me ask you … What Do you know or Want to know about Agriculture?

http://bcove.me/eeh0vvab

Happy 26 To Me

Another Year Older. 

Another Year Wiser.

Another Year Spent With My Loved Ones. 

Another Year I Have Been Blessed. 

Thanking God today for giving me these 9496 Days. I hope I have made Him proud and can not wait to see what He has in store for me in this year and all the ones to follow!

I am spending today with my wonderful man getting pampered!

Coffee Date

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … to send Mother Nature some wine & chocolate; apparently she needs a care package to loosen up and maybe we will get Spring!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … I'm super excited for a night out with my Hubby tonight! Celebrating my birthday 2 days early!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … March Madness is in Full Swing and our Alma Mater won for the first time in NDSU history and are playing again tonight - I think another upset is in order!!

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … I am a hopeless romantic through and through and if you don't like the movie Serendipity I'm not sure if we can be friends any more!!

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … this day of production is slipping away from me; so much for organizing the house.

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … My succulent plant at work is blooming more everyday. I've had it for 5 weeks and haven't watered it yet!!

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … My sister has a great new blog >> Check out Erika Joy Design

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … to fill me in on your life >> aannnddd GO

Linking up with Alissa

I Can't Wait For Summer Because...

:Summer:

I have no bad connotations with this word. Everything about summer makes me happy and right now just thinking about it makes me so incredibly anxious!

Here are some reasons why Summer needs to come NOW:

// Warmth – I can’t wait for the day when 50 degrees sounds cold

// Bonfires – Oh my goodness I CAN NOT wait to sit around a fire on a warm summer night

// Lake Life – Sun; Sand; Water; Boat Rides; Drinks; Lounging 

– The ice needs to melt RIGHT NOW -

// 4-Wheeler Rides – Afternoon rides with the hubby in wide open spaces

// Vitamin D – My skin needs sun…Oh how I long for a tan

// Cold Drinks – Summer Shandy, Frozen Margaritas, Jungle Juice << My mouth is watering

// Canoeing – I can’t wait for our parties on the Sheyenne in the red canoe

// Sun Dresses – Cute clothes mixed with cute sandals, Yes Please

// Fresh Fruits/Veggies – Garden food is calling my name

// Camping – Sleeping under the stars in the fresh air sounds heavenly right now

// Flowers – We have beautiful flower beds and I’m so excited for color and Green Grass

// Grilling – I don’t think this needs an explanation; everything tastes better on the grill

What is your favorite thing about Summer??

Introducing Simply Chemistry

As you know almost 6 months ago I got a new job. With my very own desk to decorate and personalize. This is where I sit and where I stare 40+ hours out of the week. I want it to be an area that is welcoming and feels homey but at the same time looks professional!

It is coming together slowly and surely but I have been looking for something to dress up one of my bulletin boards. Good thing I know this really talented lady who makes some great home/office decor!!

Bare Wall at work In Need Of Some Simply Chemistry

My good friend Casey from The Aslan's Auspicious Albany Adventure has started a new venture. An Etsy shop called Simply Chemistry. A place where she is blending Her Love of Creating and Her Love of Science!!

Okay I know, if you are like me science doesn't sound fun at all - but let me tell you Casey is giving it a fresh new look and a fun new twist. Her love of Chemistry has come from her love of a man, and not just any man but her studly chemist husband! After she met this chemist, she found a new love for science and is channeling that now into beautiful modern art! 

I have two tassels coming my way and I can not wait to organize my home office and give my work office some Spring flare!! 

Please go take a look at her shop, buy something and add some Chemistry to your life!!

One of Casey's Engagement photos = adorable

Shop :: Instagram :: Contact :: Personal Blog

30 Before 30 List

The list is done. 

After 3 months I have narrowed it down and I'm sure I will think of plenty more things I'd love to do but these are some I Really Really hope I can accomplish!! 

I will be 26 in 7 days {the 24th} so that only leaves me with 1468 days to complete this list. 

- Wish me Luck! -

>>Become a Mom

>>Travel somewhere Across The Ocean

>>Run a 10k

>>Go on a trip By Myself

>>Live in our house {sanely} during a Kitchen Remodel

>>Read 15 Books {3 books per year - this is the low end I hope I read way more}

>>Have a photography print purchased {by someone other than a family member/friend}

>>Attend a {good aka both teams top ranked} game at Allan Fieldhouse 

>>Get {at least} 4 more tattoos

>>Attend a Blog/Photo conference 

>>Make my own wine

>>Have a murder/mystery dinner party

>>Take my husband to a Final 4 game {preferably one where KU plays}

>>Make lefse with my Grandma

>>Become a volunteer or chaperone at gathering/mission trip

>>Anonymously pay for a strangers meal {pay it forward}

>>Unplug {from technology} for a week

>>Perform in a play/musical

>>Take a trip along Hwy 101 

>>Continue to make a scrapbook of our years together

>>Take a trip on a Train

>>See the Northern Lights {and take amazing photos of them}

>>Have a weekend getaway with my 3 best friends

>>Complete a 356 photo-a-day project

>>Be in the audience for The Ellen Show {preferably one of her Christmas giveaway shows}

>>Have a auntie day/overnight trip with the nieces

>>Visit {at least} 2 Eastern States

>>Get a new blog design

>>Book a Photo Shoot for myself - a pamper day

>>Go on a romantic vacation with my husband

Coffee Date with Mrs. Laura Beth

If we were having coffee I'd tell you ... I loathe hackers. The hackers that made me get a new credit card after the Target fiasco; the card that isn't here yet and now my old card just quit working. Looks like I'll be begging hubby for money for a while because I NEVER carry cash!! The hackers that keep sending me spam tweets ... ahhh seriously can't these people find something better to do with their lives!!

If we were having coffee I'd tell you ... I am really excited for April 8 because the Casting Crowns tour is coming to Fargo. My first christian album I ever owned was Casting Crowns and I contemplated going to this concert all by myself but yesterday my dad said he'd go with me and I can't wait!! Oh and Laura Story is one of my favorite artists and she will be there too along with For King and Country, eekk!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … My birthday is 9 days away! I'm excited but have no plans this year, it'll be play it by ear but I do have the day off from work and plan on getting a massage so that is celebration enough for me!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … My husband and I are addicted to television and love our DVR. Our favorite shows currently are: Nashville, The Following, The Walking Dead, The Big Bang Theory, and The Voice. I also can't miss: NCIS LA, Grey's, Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and Criminal Minds … see Addicted!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … I currently want to eat all the junk food and pasta possible if only it wouldn't affect the way my clothes have been fitting I would - GIVE ME NOODLES! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … I'm sad KU lost last night but hope they kick some butt in the tourney - Bring on March Madness!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … I am loving the #sayyesproject Instagram challenge and it isn't to late for you to join >> Here are the prompts

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … We are disappointed we didn't get a deposit in soon enough for a German Shepherd pup in this litter so we will be waiting and hopefully get one at the end of May. The good thing about the upcoming litter is they will have the same dad as Gunner so we will have a little bit of him still with us!! 

If we were having coffee I'd tell you … To have a wonderful weekend!! 

What would you tell me If we were having coffee?

Linking up with Alissa

Till Then Smile Often

I am really excited today to introduce you to a wonderful blogger and for those of you who know her a refresher on how great she is!! 

Kerry blogs over at Till Then Smile Often and I've been trying my darndest to promote her amidst my busy life lately! Kerry really is amazing and makes me Drool all too often -- she can also make our 4 legged friends drool!! 

She has one of THE BIGGEST HEARTS and her selflessness continually amazes me and makes me strive to be better and do more for people 'just because'. She has a wonderful love for her adorable nieces and has some great reminders about life : No One Is Perfect but without admitting our faults there is no way to find solutions to them. I'm telling you people, she is amazing and last year was her First Year Of Blogging … Whaaattt?! Ya she is great!!

Of course she is the recipient of my Cheers this week and I highly encourage you to go say hi to her!! 

Till Then Smile Often

Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest :: Instagram 

Italian Meatball Sub Hotdish

What You Need:

5-6 Large slices of bread {I used Texas Toast bread that was about 1in thick}
1 8oz package Cream Cheese (softened)
8oz Sour Cream
2 tsp. Pasta Sprinkle
Garlic Bread Sprinkle (optional)
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 jar (28oz) Pizza Sauce or Pasta Sauce 

I opted to make my own Meatballs, since we do raise Beef for a living it always feels wrong to buy it, but you could also use 1 lb of fully cooked frozen meatballs.

…

Meatball Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef
1 Egg
½ cup Breadcrumbs
2 tsp. Dried Parsley
1 tsp. Chopped Garlic or 2 tsp. minced
1 T Italian Seasoning
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper

:When meatballs are precooked mix them in a bowl with the sauce you are using:

What To Do:

If you are making your own meatballs you’ll want to start them first.

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
• Shape into balls. I like smaller meatballs so there were more than 12 but you should have at least 12.
• Place on greased baking pan. Precook for about 10-12 min. {They don’t have to be completely done because you will be putting them back in later}

:When meatballs are precooked mix them in a bowl with the sauce you are using:

While meatballs are cooking you can prepare the rest of hotdish.
{If using frozen meatballs make sure to thaw them first then Simmer over medium heat for about 10 min with sauce}

• Place Bread slices in an ungreased 9x13 baking dish.
• :Optional – Sprinkle Bread with your favorite Garlic Bread Seasoning:
• Combine Cream Cheese, Sour Cream & Pasta Sprinkle; mix well.
• Spread Cheese mixture over bread slices. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over mixture.
• Spoon Meat & Sauce over bread & cheese. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over meat.
• Bake uncovered for 30 min or until cheese bubbles and meatballs are no longer pink in middle

This is a very filling meal so make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach - mine sure were!

Original Recipe

Blogmopolitan Quiz

Casey had this quiz on her blog today and I wanted to fill one out too!! 

Linking up with Erin

Evicted!

Have I come off as the rebellious type to you? No, well then I haven’t been completely forthcoming with you. Okay slightly kidding but let me tell you about >>>

That One Time We Got Evicted!!

Flashback to May of 2010 - My Graduation from North Dakota State University. I graduated in 4 years with a degree that wasn’t University Studies but it very well could have been because I had NO CLUE what I wanted to do with my life. Anyway this was something to be celebrated {of course} so we decided to party the night away.

We closed the bar down and walked across the street to our apartment, oh how I miss the convenience of college bars! I was one of the last two to leave the bar, walking back over I could hear my roommates {aka hubby {then boyfriend} and his cousin} and then they came into view … on the roof. First Reaction: They are drunken fools … Second Reaction: ROOF PARTY!!

Oh yes, how was this not a FABULOUS idea?! Don’t worry this was not the roof of the whole building. Our apartment was on the 2^nd Floor and our unit happened to have a balcony with super easy access to the roof of the parking garage. We. Had. A. Blast. And that is probably an understatement. It was a perfect Grad night until there was a knock on the door…

THE COPS.

Oh and not just any cops … BICYCLE COPS!! {This still cracks me up} Yes while strolling with their pedal bikes, our Roof Party was found - the celebrating was a tad too loud I guess! We were let off with a warning but told to break the party up and anyone not residing at our apartment had to go home.

One of my favorite moments was my friend asking the cops if they had an extra helmet for her, and could just give her a ride home - Note: Bicycle Cops at 3am don't find that funny!!

We woke up the next morning reliving our awesome Roof Party and thankful we got off with a warning ... 

{If Only That Were True}

The apartment owners got notification of our party warning and decided  to Evict us! We had 3 days to move out with no place to go. 

Long Story Short :: Don't have a Roof Party at your Apartment Complex, because the Bicycle Cops will find you!!