Faith, Hope, Love Life

I'm accident prone :(

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:06:00 +0000

I have had an interesting evening so far..I cut myself with the vegetable/fruit peeler :(

It was not fun at all. But the husband and his friend Z made delicious hamburgers and fries! I appreciate them doing that after I couldn't peel any more potatoes. Yep, next time I'll pay more attention to what I'm doing.

I guess I'll be learning to type without my left index finger for a while..so far I've had to re-type this blog about 10 times already cause I keep messing up.

On a brighter note, I was able to see my uncle, aunt and cousins which was great! :) So much funny stories exchanged and Mexican candy eaten! :) There is still some left but I will be getting more when they come to visit again..which won't be any time soon. :(

School has been okay, almost done for the first week.. Trying to be cheerful about my last semester as an undergrad and it's kinda hard to do..

On great news, our church finally has a LifeGroup on our side of town which we will be attending this upcoming week..so exciting! :) And..our church is taking part of Focus on the Family's Date Night Challenge so that is something to view if you or your church is interested. I've never heard of this before so I am just reading and getting more information. :)

And PWOC is great so far. Beth Moore's Bible Study on the book of James is very interesting. :)

and waiting to see the end of the game between the Giants and the 49ers...

Hope ya'll have a great upcoming week!

Do you like meeting new people?

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:22:00 +0000

If so, a great opportunity is coming to your area!

Wives of Faith Girls Night Out happens Friday, Feb. 24!

This is our FIRST EVER attempt to bring as many of our Wives of Faith ladies together as we can! And it’s going to be FUN, so we hope you’ll sign up! We hear from a lot of you every week asking if there are other Wives of Faith’ers in your town – here is a great way to find out!

More information can be found here

I will (hopefully) be a part of it in my area and I'm very excited about it! :) It will be great to meet new ladies and enjoy time together with (new) friends.

So don't wait until the last minute! See if your area is involved in this :)

What a week!

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:11:00 +0000

I am feeling very overwhelmed with everything that has happened and that is about to happen. Finally got pictures from my cousin A who did a great job with M & I along with Liz (our dog). I'm very much looking forward to PWOC tomorrow, I need a refresher for the rest of the week.

Schedules are great to follow but when you are lost as to how to start a discussion board for a class, you tend to lose track of time. I'm hoping I get back on track soon though!

Will be posting some cool pictures tomorrow of our recent road trip, if I find the time.

Have a great night!

What a blessing fellowship is :)

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:11:00 +0000

This week, I finally returned to PWOC. It was so refreshing & enjoyably to be with fellow sisters in Christ. It removed all the stress & chaos that I've been dealing with. Worrying about finances and getting impatient about not hearing from a prospective employer can get to you...

Of course, I'll only be working part-time but it would help us so much with my loans. Overall, this week has been a blessing. I should remember that not all things turn out the way we want them but you learn from every trial.

Well, have a great weekend. :) Won't be posting cause we are heading out of town. :) Will definitely need much sleep as we head out before 0500...

Decisions, decisions

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:35:00 +0000

are so hard to make...especially on things that are still uncertain! Won't know anything about a big decision until the end of the month. M & I are discussing & looking at alot of different angles on this decision. It's hard when two angles are wanted.

We had a semi-hard time with the family emergency recently.Traveling & long layovers are not pleasant when you have been up for so many hours beforehand. M & his family were at peace with what happened because it was expected; God gave everyone a great peace about it. It was a pleasant trip as well since we saw the "beauty in the ashes", so to speak.

We like this duty station alot since we have an airport in the same city that we are currently living in. We are also driving distance from our previous duty station which is where we are heading this weekend! It'll be great to see friends. :)

M & I are both doing homework ahead of time since we won't have much time next week with his friend Z coming in & the meetings we (separate & together) have going on in the evenings.

Chaos is everywhere but there is beauty in the midst.

On hiatus..

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Due to a family emergency, I won't be posting for a week or so. Please keep our family in your thoughts & prayers.

Thank you & have a great day.

A great organization that helps veterans and spouses of fallen servicemembers

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Heroes Without Limits is an organization that M's friend is a co-founder of and that is willing to go the distance to help returning veterans. They help veterans attain their own franchises and train them through every step. If you are looking for a great organization to help a veteran you may know or something for yourself when you separate, this is an organization to ask questions from. They are trust-worthy people with great hearts.

**I was not asked to post this but I did this to get the word out**

Waiting is hard..

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

I've been learning lately that waiting is not easy. It's really hard. :(

I think God just wants us to be patient & wait on His timing. Some things work put for us & some don't unfortunately.

M had a not so good day at work today & it's hard to understand how people can be so rude & inconsiderate in getting some information across (or not across).

On a sad note, we might be leaving on emergency leave soon (maybe tomorrow). It's not something we wanted but it's happening. Pray for our safety & everyone there, this will be hard for everyone.

Now to eat dinner & start packing just in case.

Have a good evening.

Thank you God :)

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:19:00 +0000

I had an issue with my grades after the fall semester & since it was Christmas and New Year's, I hadn't heard back from the Registrar's office. Until this morning. :)

They corrected my grades but my financial aid was affected as well. I am still waiting to hear back from them. This whole ordeal was a worry for my husband and I since we can't afford to pay for my classes out of pocket without financial aid.

I am still waiting to hear back from jobs I applied for, which I would be able to do from home. That is going to be very helpful since M's friend is coming back early & going to be using M's truck while M uses my (really his since he mostly drives it & has a license) car for work. Still working on getting my license (please don't judge,did well without a car for five years).

We are praying & hoping for the best for M's grandma but only God holds that in His hands.

I hold this verse in mind through all this:
<<br>>Psalm 119:116 NKJV

Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

Have a blessed, great day.

Happy 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:44:00 +0000

Have a blessed, great New Year wherever you are! :)

From my family to yours.

Having issues with website..

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:47:00 +0000

Please be patient as I try to fix the errors. Thank you.

Confusion with school..

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:08:00 +0000

has caused some issues for this upcoming semester. :(

Hoping I get this all straightened away before the week is over...

Blog makeover in progress..just an FYI

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Please be patient as I rearrange while juggling a busy schedule. :)

Merry Christmas Eve!

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:02:00 +0000

Hope everyone has a blessed, safe evening (or day).

Good night to all. :)

On the way to in-laws...

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:43:00 +0000

and so far, so good. :)

I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

May post if something interesting happens..if not, see ya'll next week.

Leaving ya'll with a glimpse of the beautiful scenario earlier..

Wohoo!! Christmas vacation!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:53:00 +0000

I have officially ended my last fall semester as an undergrad! Still waiting on grades but God willing & with His grace, I'll be fine. :)

Busy week ahead. Slow cooking Monday & maybe a Skype conversation, a photo session Tuesday, catching up on the Frank Peretti book I bought on my way home for Thanksgiving (finally), & a small roadtrip for CHRISTmas. :)

Church sermon was amazing & we are getting plugged into a Sunday class next semester! :) Even though it means going to two services but it's okay. We might get involved with a small group but not sure yet.

The weather was nice & warm until the evening when it got chilly again. :( Wish the weather would stay warm but unfortunately, not to be...until the summer. :) We are loving it here but miss some areas & friends from our previous assignments. But thankful for Skype & Facebook to stay in touch. :)

Have a great week! Enjoy Las Posadas if you have that in your area...we missed it here :(

I'm leaving ya'll with a glimpse of how our weekend went. :)

Almost done with school

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:17:00 +0000

Only three more assignments till winter break!! :)

You Might Be a Military Spouse at Christmas If

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

You Might Be a Military Spouse at Christmas If...(List Edition)

1. Your winter clothes are still not unpacked from your PCS three months ago.
2. You husband's gear is sitting on top of said "winter clothes"
3. It has been 25 degrees lately and you've had to borrow your husband's long sleeve shirts to wear as a layer..
4. You realize the shirt you are wearing has a pocket on the shoulder because your husband wears it with his uniform while downrange which you didn't know beforehand.
5. You have Christmas ornaments but you have no idea what box they are in...or where the boxes are.
6. You only get 4 days to drive 6 hours for Christmas & back.
7. You have no tree yet and are waiting for the weekend to get one..but it will be a fake tree.
9. Still looking for addresses to send Christmas cards to and double checking for updated addresses since many friends PCSed after you.
10. Trying to figure out where to go for New Years..or not go anywhere..it depends on the work schedule for your husband.
11. Your husband is only one of three people working in the office during the holidays so it's not a cool schedule to have with family.
12. You are still excited about this year's Army vs. Navy game (results unknown at this posting).
13. Still looking for a job AND an internship for the semester to come..
14. Wishing you were home with your family for Christmas..
15. You are thankful that your husband is home regardless of his crazy work schedule.
16. Praying for many friends whose husbands are still deployed this year.

It's a long list.. but there may be more at Wives of Faith!

Have a great weekend.

Remembering

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Remembering all those lost today at Pearl Harbor.

Thank you for your sacrifice. It was not in vain.

Snow night!

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:47:00 +0000

So last night, it snowed here. Unfortunately it didn't last during the day but I was able to capture this great picture this morning.

It will be cold all night again but unfortunately no snow again. :(

I hope you have had a great day and stay warm,safe!

Favorite Christmas Dessert- with recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

So the first one is not my favorite dessert. It's my mother's favorite dessert or however you want to eat it. It can be eaten or drank so it doesn't have a set way to consume it. The second recipe is my favorite dessert, I could eat it all Christmas season. :)
It's called Champurrado and it's a popular Mexican drink/dessert during Las Posadas (Christmas) season.
The recipe is as follows:
Total Time: 20 minutes or so Yields: 4 servings Ingredients
21/2 cups water 1/4 cup masa harina 2 ounces Mexican chocolate or bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 cinnamon stick 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Mix 1 cup water with masa harina. Let stand 15 minutes. Bring remaining 1 1/2 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Strain masa harina mixture into boiling water. Add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Add cinnamon stick. Stir over low heat until mixture thickens or whip to frothy consistency with a molinillo, about 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar.
The end result should look like this:

*Photo courtesy of Wikipedia*
The second recipe is Churros, which is a Mexican dessert. It's yummy and can fill you up real quick. :) It's a fried dough variety though...so I apologize to those who don't eat fried doughy things.
Total Time: 50 min Prep 20 min Cook 30 min
Yield: 12 to 15 servings
Level: Intermediate
Ingredients for Crullers (Churros):
1 cup water 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 to 5 eggs Canola oil, for frying 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
To make the crullers: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup water, the butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt over medium-high heat until the edges of the liquid start to bubble. Add the flour all at once and stir briskly with a wooden spoon until well mixed and no lumps of flour remain.
Remove from the heat. Add 4 of the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each. The dough should look soft and glossy and keep a "hook" shape when the spoon is pulled from the dough. If not, beat in the last egg.
Scrape the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pour enough canola oil into a deep heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) to fill 1-inch. Heat over medium heat until the tip of the handle of a wooden spoon gives off a slow steady stream of tiny bubbles. Carefully pipe the dough into the oil, forming 6-inch crullers. Pipe only as many crullers into the oil as fit comfortably. Overcrowding the pan will result in soggy crullers. Fry, turning once, until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Put the sugar and the cinnamon in a paper bag. Crimp the top and shake well to mix. Drop a few crullers at a time into the bag and shake until coated. Best served as soon as possible.

*Photo courtesy of the Food Network*
Enjoy the recipes and you can view other great recipes at Wives of Faith! :)

My Favorite Christmas Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

My favorite movie.... that's a hard question to answer since I rarely watch Christmas movies during Christmas. Lol. I would have to say my favorite Christmas movie would have to be A Charlie Brown Christmas . I think the reason why is because I have watched it since I was little with my siblings and parents; it also tells the true meaning of Christmas which is Christ's birth. It goes into the over-commercialization of Christmas which is still seen today even though the film was originally broadcast over 40 years ago. I just love watching anything with Charlie Brown really. I still read the comics and I enjoy them the same as when I was younger and would fight with my sisters and brother as to who read the Sunday comics first. :) You can read more great blogs at Wives of Faith

Pretty good day

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:08:00 +0000

So the husband and I ran errands yesterday that we would have done today if he hadn't been released early from work. So this morning,we only ran one errand which was to take our dog to the vet. It went pretty well; we got her medicine and left. We had a late brunch and may go to the tree lighting later tonight.

So a lazy day of catching up on school work,e-mail,and Netflix. :)

Adding a picture of the husband and our adorable dog.

Still sick, DQ, and Roku

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:24:00 +0000

I am still sick...which is driving me insane!! But we went to DQ (Dairy Queen) last night because we had coupons that we had received in the mail...which was great! Only in Texas will you find DQ products with the state flag...I'll add a picture later today.. :) And we got three more fliers with coupons!! Which they didn't have to do either but they did anyway. They also accepted all three of our coupons even though the coupons said not combined with any other offers/discounts,etc. So now that is our favorite DQ! Saved us money in the long run. :) I still have to set up our Roku player...I got it via USPS on Tuesday and still haven't been able to set it up...I don't remember the password for our wireless network so I'll have to wait until later today when the husband can input it or maybe I'll just ask him before he heads out this morning... Happy Friday everyone!! Stay warm and have a good day. :)

Sick, snow, and Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Aracely) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:59:00 +0000

This is me right now ->

Being sick stinks so much!!

According to the news, it's suppose to snow this weekend...snow in the desert is weird...but not weird as having snow in central Texas...
With that amazing weather to look forward to (having lived in DC makes me love the snow..so there..), the husband has said that we may not be able to go to the tree lighting this weekend if I am still sick...which bums me out..

I'm praying that I get better and I finish my school work for this week..it's a lot to do when you feel awful. :( But I've been blessed to have a great volunteer opportunity come my way which I will be answering to sometime this afternoon. This morning I'll be finishing my Youversion reading plan and finish eating my breakfast/tea. Then to start on homework for the day...

But I really want to get an invitation to Pinterest!! I've been hearing it's a great website and I still haven't received an invitation even though I submitted my address about two months ago...maybe it takes a long time? I really hope not..

In a way, it's good that I don't have Pinterest right now because it would be a bad distraction...oh well, to wait it is.

I'll be researching blog makeovers so if anyone has a suggest, please e-mail it to me. I will definitely appreciate it!

Have a great day!