Be Still My Soul...

It was a very long and somewhat overwhelming week, but we got through it, even while dragging our feet.

And then the weekend came....

My very discouraged attitude needed a makeover and the quickest way to cure that was Starbucks. Yum. Free Wifi also made things seem better and I browsed pinterest while Matt looked up more photography tips. It was a wonderful Friday evening spent with the love of my life.

And then real productivity set in...

I finally posted items for my Etsy shop online. Much thanks goes to my husband who is so patient and helpful.
You can check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RufflesandTulle

It feels wonderful to get things done.

But what I really was able to do this weekend was remind myself of God's goodness and grace. God is so good. And I think it has taken me a while to realize this after some trials we faced earlier this year. Although I know my human heart is weak and I may forget or deny His goodness at different points in my life, my heart can't help but trust in His plan. His plan is always good even if the circumstances of our lives don't seem good. And I remind myself everyday that if God, who can rescue a sinner from the depths of darkness when I am completely and utterly undeserving, how can He not have good and wonderful plans for those He has saved? My heart cannot deny the goodness of Christ, my feelings at times may, but to deny the goodness of God is to deny Him as my Savior. I love this quote by Corrie Ten Boom...

My dad once told me that living the Christian life is one of the hardest things he has experienced, but it's also one of the most joyous and rewarding things as well. I am beginning to understand those sweet words he told me years ago. I don't mean to blog about doom and gloom, because the Christian life is not all that, but each Christian goes through valleys and dark times where God does not seem present in their lives. He is though and is actively doing good on our behalf. Sara Groves lyrics describe it well:

"Life with you is half as hard and twice as good."

Yes. I love that.

In the meantime I am trying to be still and rest in God's goodness, trust in His plan, and bask in His beautiful grace.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:10-11

Much love,

Hannah

The Generosity of Fall

Although the weekend was chilly, we went to the Farmers Market on Saturday. I love buying local and the fresh produce is amazing! Enjoy the pictures, they speak for themselves (I loved taking each one!)

We also had Becce and her family visit Saturday afternoon while they waited to attend a wedding in Oshkosh. It was so fun seeing them! We love visitors! Please come visit again soon?

And my favorite photo from the weekend? Who could resist that smile? Isaiah is one of the sweetest kids I know...

Much love,

Hannah

The Cookie Monster

My husband is a cookie monster. I try to stay away from baking them as much as I can because he literally would eat them for:

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

But I could not resist baking the sugar cookie recipe my nanny family gave me. Thanks Chris, these are by far the best cookies I have ever tasted!

Beware readers, these cookies are dangerously delicious and addicting.

Sugar Cookies
1 1/3 C Shortening
1 1/2 C Sugar
Beat these ingredients together.

Now add 2 Eggs and 1 tsp of Vanilla and Mix well.

In a separate bowl add:
2 C of Flour
1 tsp of Salt
1/4 C of Milk
Mix these together well.

Now carefully add 1 to 1 3/4 C of Flour
The consistency should be somewhat sticky but not so sticky that you can't roll it out (although I used a lot of flour in rolling mine out).

I used a pumpkin cookie cutter, but these would make great Christmas cut outs too! I know I will be using this recipe for holidays year round.

The Amazing Frosting
4 C of Powdered Sugar (yes, I did type that correctly)
1/2 C Butter, softened
1/2 C Shortening
Mix together on low until blended. Add 3 T of milk and 1 tsp of Vanilla. Beat together on medium speed until the desired consistency.

I can never seem to get frosting right when I make cookies but really this frosting is seriously the best I have made! It turned out beautiful and although quite sugary I got the thumbs up from the husband who loved the buttery taste. I cannot rave enough about this recipe, and I will make it over and over again. It takes some time but the cookies are worth every minute spent. I know that family and friends will love them as well because of the difference between other ordinary sugar cookies. This one cannot be beat.

Important: I did use a very specific cookie pan made by the food network and was amazed at the results! The pan was borrowed and I didn't believe there would be a difference in how the cookies turned out but I was wrong! Check it out on the food network website. It cost $25 but worth it!

Much love,

Hannah

Simplicity is Sweet

I've been learning a lot lately about the simple things in life. Sometimes the less money we spend, the more satisfaction we gain. Sometimes the more we stop our busy schedules and listen to others, the more wisdom we glean. And sometimes moving away from all that a person knows brings two people together in more ways than they hoped.

Yes, I will admit, we've been slightly lazy since moving into our new home a month and a half ago but we have also had time to do things we haven't done for a while.

Like eat homemade pizza every Friday night, one of Matts favorites.

We have also been going on walks while getting to know the surrounding neighborhood.

We are looking for a church and are challenged every week to view things from a positive note.

We have been playing mad gab a lot and giggle and snort when we can't figure out the simplest phrase or word.

We've been growing in God's word and praying together more often.

We have come to enjoy the quiet times we have to simply "sit and be still."

It almost feels like our first month of marriage, when we are quickly approaching three years this December.

It is the small little things in life that have made me realize how truly blessed I am.

Much love,

Hannah

P.S.

Don't forget to look for the simple little things in life...