The Works of God Continue

Today was one of those days where I woke up and felt so happy and at peace. Before even getting out of bed I began to watch the movie Emma Smith, and I was in awe of her strength and faith that she had. She lost 6 of 11 children, watched her husband be persecuted and beaten time and time again, moved time and time again, and in the end lost her beloved husband Joseph to a mob. She is one marvelous woman, that I want to look up to, she is my hero. I thought I had it tough but then I look around and see so many others who struggle through rougher waters than I do. The past few years have been a struggle for me, through anger and doubt, betrayal and fear..I have found my peace and with each day I feel it growing stronger in my life, I feel my heart opening up and I feel so much hope for the future.I have found my wonderful husband who cares so much for me and never lets me doubt, constantly beating me to saying "I love you more" He has healed my heart and strengthened my testimony. I don't know what I would have done with out Heavenly Father in the past few months, for they surely have been tough. My husband was injured overseas and its been a struggle for us both and humbling for us both. He is doing remarkably well and is back up walking and running(sorta). I am going to the temple next month to receive my Endowments and for so long I was afraid that I would never be ready, but someone in my ward gave a wonderful talk that made me realize I am ready and so EXCITED!! December, my husband and I will be sealed for time and all eternity, and I can't wait for that!! I feel so wonderful today and I plan to strive ever farther to become the strong, independent, faithful woman that I know I can be. Its a good day :)

Chicken Pot Pie

One of mine and my husband's favorite meals and its SUPER easy!!

 For one pie I get the Pillsbury ready-made crusts (comes with 2 pieces)!
 1 bag of California blend mixed vegetables (really any type of vegetables you want)
 1 Can of Cream of Chicken
 2 chicken breasts (maybe 3 if you like chicken)

 Thaw the vegetables (1/2 bag per pie...if you get the large bag)
 Cook chicken( I found the easiest way to do this is to cut the chicken up first, then boil it..cooks faster and you don't burn your hands cutting chicken up!)
 Mix the vegetables, cooked chicken, and cream of chicken soup together in a bowl and dump into your pan (first spread the one pie crust on the bottom) then take your second crust and put it on top, make sure to cut a slit in the top to vent!
 Pop it into the oven at 350 for about 45 minutes or until the crust is a nice golden brown and doesn't feel doughy any more.

 Sorry it isn't perfect directions, but I have never written out my recipes before. Any questions just ask! Enjoy!! :)

Humbled by the strength and grace of so many of my wonderful friends

Growing up, when I imagined myself married I never imagined the blessings that I would have and how fortunate I would feel. I'm 21 and have been married almost 9 months to the man of my dreams! We have our own home, 2 snakes, a bearded dragon, and our child-dog Sammy. I never thought this is where I would be at this stage in my life and I am so grateful. I look at my friends, so many are students, young mothers, student-wives, going through those tight-budgeted but blessing filled lives and I give them props, I don't know if I could do what they are doing and have that kind of strength. They learn so much and I can just see their growth through their words. Even looking at my own family, I don't know how my mom does what she does, she is SOO good at budgeting money. Same with my Mother-in-law, she always finds a way to make more income...she is fostering kids right now, and doing a wonderful job! Don't get me wrong everyones budget is tight, with our economy and I don't want for a second for it to seem like I am boasting in any way...just trying to express my thanks and the humility I feel having such great friends who are such an example of optimism and listening to Heavenly Father's wisdom and guidance. I suppose I have a different kind of strength being married to someone in the military, he is gone 70% of the year. That means it will take 4 years of being married to be make it to 1 year of actually being together..crazy. (Well maybe a little less since he was injured and he is home...)I am grateful for all the things I do have, but also grateful to my friends who through their examples, have kept me humble. I just wanted to put that out there, now I have to go finish my homemade pot pie...mmmMMMM...I should post this recipe of mine later! Its relatively cheap to make and could feed a family of 2 or 3 for at least 2 days! Yes, I think I will start adding my recipes and other housewife/homemaking things I learn through being a newlywed :)