Bloomin' Monday: The Way We Were

Before you moved, you made contacts.  Once you got there, you made brownies.  Then you joined a new group or two.

But at some point - if it hasn't happened already - it will hit you: things just aren't the same "here" as they were "there."  For some of you, this will be a blissful realization.  But for others of us, it will be a moment of profound grief.

The city where we have felt the most "at home" has been Knoxville, Tennessee.  We loved our neighbors, we loved our church, we made close friends, we got involved, and then ... we had to move.  Twice.  Yes, we went through that heart-wrenching transition two different times.  And both times I was pregnant.

The first time, we moved from Knoxville to Alabaster, Alabama.  I'll never forget the first Sunday we drove into the parking lot of what would become our next church home.  I cried.  Big, ugly, pregnant, mad, confused, crying.  I think David even cried, too.  We just sat in our car all during Sunday school and finally got ourselves together enough to go to the worship service.  And then they sang a song that we had learned on our mission trip to Mexico.  A song about how the Lord "gives and takes away - blessed be the name of the Lord."  And I almost lost it again.

Moving isn't for wimps!  Or pregnant women - if it can be helped.

Yes, we went on to make friends in Alabaster.  Last week, I even shared how I eventually got to lead a ladies' Bible study there which I truly enjoyed.  But first, we grieved.

This past week, a virtual friend of mine (we've never actually met, but I feel like I know her) wrote a post on this very subject.  I hope you'll click over and read it.  It touched my heart, and I pray it will touch yours, too.  You can read it here.

So go ahead and grieve.  Get it out.  Cry those ugly tears.  And then keep moving forward.  Make new friends.  I promise, it really is possible.



This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Dear 20-Year-Old Me

This year will live in your memory as a very fun year.  In January, you will finally meet The One - your future husband.  And yes, you will hear God tell you that it's him!  But here's a hint: He's talking about the other guy in the car, not the one you think.  (To be fair, they both drive almost identical cars.  Is it any wonder your dream car was a blue Mustang??)

Nevertheless, following around that wrong guy for a couple of years will lead you in some very right directions, spiritually, so it's not a bad thing at all.  And meanwhile, you'll become good friends with The One which will eventually make for a solid marriage.  (Thankfully, The One will laugh at your crush on other guy instead of being upset.  In fact, other guy will be a groomsman in your wedding!)

You were right to change your major.  Sure, chemical engineering sounds impressive and has a great salary to go with it, but it's not right for you.  Although you can't even imagine it now, you will someday want to be a stay-at-home Mom - a homeschooler, even! (Don't worry.  It's a lot more mainstream now than it used to be.) - and that math degree will allow you to do just that.

This Summer, you're going to date a really cute guy.  (No, not other guy.  He's already found his One.  And no, not The One - although he's super cute, too.  It's not quite time for that.)

No, he's not really proposing.  Guess who set up this pose??  (Hi, Mom!)

Prepare yourself - this one is a Yankee!  ;)  He's not The One and it won't last much past Christmas, but it will make for a really fun Summer and several trips to Indiana this Fall, rooming with random girls in his dorm and meeting his family.  He will be the reason you first learn to e-mail, and it will be a very tedious process in 1994.  However, once again thanks to computers (that get WAY easier to use), you'll still be in touch with him 18 years later.  (I know.  It boggles the mind, doesn't it?)  Going to Seattle this Summer might seem sort of strange - and in fact, it will be the one and only year that Campus Crusade holds a Summer Project in Seattle - but it's preparing you to live there for several years in the not-too-distant future.  (If you get a chance to try teriyaki chicken while you're there, please do.  Yum-O!)

I hope you enjoyed that undefeated football season last year.  It'll be a while before that happens again, but - brace yourself - we will eventually be the National Champions!

So enjoy this year at Auburn because, win or lose, it really is great to be an Auburn Tiger!  War Eagle!



P.S. Repeat after me: "My socks do NOT have to match my Duck Head shorts."

For others in this series, click here.

This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Corn Chip Chili Pie

The original recipe can be found in the Southern Living Ultimate Quick and Easy Cookbook.  The recipe found there involves doing everything in the microwave.  Here's how I make it:

Corn Chip Chili Pie
Serves 4 adults

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (11-ounce) can sweet whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (2 1/4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives (I use the chopped ones so they are more hidden.)
1 (1.25-ounce) chili seasoning
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (can use sharp Cheddar or a Mexican blend)
1 cup coarsely crushed corn chips (or just use them whole)

Brown the meat along with the onion; drain.  Combine with the beans, corn, tomato sauce, olives, and chili seasoning in a large bowl.  Pour into a 9x13 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for around 20 minutes or until heated through.  Sprinkle corn chips and cheese over the top, and return to oven until cheese is melted.

Note: this was made with reduced fat cheese.  I don't recommend doing that.




This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home