Pancake Love

Hey friends!

It has been awhile since I last posted. I have been working to get back into blogging and am planning to write some updates soon.

Until then, I wanted to share with you an idea I recently had. A week ago, I celebrated seven months of marriage with my husband and wanted to do something simple and sweet for him. This is what I came up with. Enjoy!

*Pancake Love*

What You'll Need:
1 Condiment Bottle
Pancake Mix
Griddle or Skillet

Mix up your pancake batter. 

Next, fill your clean condiment bottle with pancake mix. I found a set of 2 condiment bottles at Walmart for $1. I originally purchased them to use for decorating Christmas cookies, but they can be used for a lot of things.

After heating up the skillet, squeeze the batter onto the pan in fun designs. If you are writing words or phrases, I found it was helpful if you "wrote" in cursive and kept the letters connected (it makes flipping the pancake much easier and less messy).
 
This is what I came up with. 

For my hubby (I need to improve on my heart design, haha.)

I even created a heart with our initials in it. =)

I had a ton of fun with this idea! In the future, I might cut the tip of the bottle so the batter comes out thicker and the "pancakes" won't be so thin. 

Hope you try this out and enjoy making some designs of your own!

With love,

.love story.

"every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite."

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
We’ve been together since March 26, 2009, so about 3 1/2 years! We got engaged on March 27, 2011 and were married on June 10, 2012.

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
We met his freshman year (my junior year) of college and I had a crush on him from the beginning. I was a Resident Assistant (RA) in his dorm. Though I didn't officially meet him until around March 2009, I had noticed him in the lobby, playing guitar and hanging out with friends. The first thing I noticed about him was the way he treated others (I mean, besides the fact that he is such a looker!); he was so kind and treated everyone with respect, plus he had a great sense of humor and a knack for making others smile or laugh. After a mutual friend introduced us, we began talking, hanging out, and chatting on AIM until 2 AM (does anyone else remember AIM? haha). We became unofficially "official" the night he made the first move and kissed me to let me know he was interested in me. We have been together ever since!

Alpha Phi Omega Formal April '09 ~ One of our first dates

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}
We've been married 108 days!

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? If not, where would you like to get married? 
We got married under a tree in my parents' backyard. It was a perfect day. =)

Our Ceremony

THE KISS!!! (And what a kiss it was!)

Our Venue - My Childhood Home

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
Punk was the first one. =)

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
– His selflessness – He is seriously one of the most giving people I know. Especially with me, our family members, his friends, and his coworkers.
– His passion – He is deeply passionate & committed to serving God; playing & creating music; and loving people. He has so many talents and gifts (it's a bit ridiculous!) and he chooses to use them to glorify God and serve others.
– His kind heart – He is compassionate, encouraging, loving, and incredibly supportive!

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?
It’s kind of a long story, so you can read it all here (under the "Our Proposal" section). But the short version is that he completely took me by surprise (because I thought I knew exactly when it was going to happen...a year later haha) and proposed to me in front of six of our dear friends (and a few other people...he was quite gutsy!). It was one of my favorite days ever. =)

Click HERE to view our proposal.

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?
He does a bit of both! He has brought me flowers for no particular reason, but it is mostly romantic stuff: songs, rose petals, candles, chocolate covered strawberries, etc. =)

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch? 
I am quite content having a night in with a movie and snuggling. I am definitely not opposed to a sunset dinner on the beach though either. =)
 

A picture from our honeymoon...we were cuddled up to watch a movie. 
 
10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
Do more traveling! I’d love to see Italy, France, Australia, and Ireland (again). We would also like to go to Hawaii and the Caribbean.

11. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
I can't give just one piece of advice so here goes: Communicate --> Instead of expecting your spouse to know exactly what you want, be honest and open (read: not hurtful...choose your words wisely) when communicating your needs. It saves a lot of time, tears, and guesswork on your spouse's part. Respect your spouse. Don’t speak negatively about him to friends/your mom/coworkers/whoever. Support him and encourage him to follow his dreams. Make it a priority to have time for just the two of you. Have fun together regularly. Oh, and keep dating!

12.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

These images are from our ceremony, where we each washed the other's feet. 
 
Love, to me, is putting another before yourself and serving each other's needs first before your own.

Though it can be overused, I try to use 1 Corinthians 13:3-8 as a model for how I am to love Jake and others in my lifetime. I'm definitely far from being perfect, but I'm a work in progress.

^"If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies."

- 1 Corinthians 13:3-8 (The Message)

Cake Pop Deliciousness

Hello blog world! 

It's been awhile. I have so much to update you on...just trying to find the time to do it. 

A few weeks ago, I made some treats for a friend's party. My goal was to make these Cupcake Pops, but I quickly realized that my lack of experience with cake pops led me to settle for the basic version, Basic Cake Pops. I used Bakerella's recipe, adapting it to my preferences.

Ingredients:

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake) (I chose Cherry Chip!)
1 can frosting (16 oz.) (I used Cream Cheese Frosting.)
Wax paper
Yellow candy melts (1 lb. pkg.) (I used 1 lb. of white chocolate bark.)
Lollipop sticks (I couldn't find these, so I used skewer sticks. That didn't work out very well so I would find lollipop sticks if you can find them.)

1. Bake cake mix from scratch. Cool completely.
   
2. Crumble cake into a fine consistency in a large bowl.
   
   
   
   
3. Add a container of cream cheese frosting and blend together using a large spoon. Blend thoroughly.
   
4. Roll mixture into 1.25″ – 1.5″ size balls and lay on a wax paper covered cookie sheet. You may want to periodically rinse and dry your hands off in between.
   
5. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for several hours.
   TIP: You can speed this up by placing in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
6. While cupcake shapes are chilling, begin to heat up your chocolate bark.
7. Follow the instructions on the package for melting. Most recommend heating for 30 second intervals at a time and stirring in between. You can also do the double boiler method.
   
8. When you are ready to dip, remove from freezer and set up another wax paper covered cookie sheet.
9. I chose to dye the white chocolate two of my friend's favorite colors, purple and green, to make them more colorful. Just use some food coloring and mix quickly with the melted chocolate in separate bowls.
10. Take the cake pops and dip into the melted chocolate. Remove from chocolate, turn upside down and wiggle so that the excess starts to slide down slightly. If you want them to be lollipops, then go ahead and insert the lollipop sticks while the chocolate is still wet. Continue with rest of the cake pops. You can also leave some without the sticks. They’re just as cute as Cupcake Bites. (This is what I chose to do. Less hassle!)TIP: Dip end of your lollipop stick in the melted chocolate before inserting into chocolate bottoms.
11. I added some sprinkles to the cake pops as well.

It was really difficult for me, inexperienced chocolate dipper that I am, to dip the cake pops in the chocolate, cover them completely, and not poke holes in the cake pop. After I started using a spoon to dip the pops, the process ran a bit more smoothly. I'd like to work up to these Cupcake Pops, but I need to practice a bit more. 

Reviews:

Everyone who tried them seemed to love the "cake balls" and remarked on how cute and yummy they were. I'd definitely like to make these again!

Special thanks to my roomie and her boyfriend for the extra hands of help for dipping!

Until next time...

With love,

Amanda

Day 1 of Semester 4: Let's do this!

Welcome to the first week of classes ladies and gentlemen! How is it time for this already?! This summer flew by with all of the busyness of a regular school semester. This morning I find myself with a bit of extra time (darn it I could have slept in a bit longer!) to reflect on the lessons learned, the successes, and times enjoyed over the past few months.

This past summer I learned a lot about who I am right now and who I would like to become. I learned that it was okay to say no sometimes (and avoid over committing myself resulting in a burnout). However, I also learned that I need to be better about being completely open with my friends about my lack of availability due to all that is currently going on in my life. It's really hard for me to disappoint people so I tend to say "yes, I can do that...I will figure it out somehow" when it ends up working out that a supervisor switches my schedule or expects me to attend something all of a sudden, or I have homework that should be taking priority. That can be hurtful and disappointing, though it is not my intent. I promise to work towards being more open about my schedule demands.

I'm also learning to be more direct and open about sharing my opinions in a professional environment. I tend to go with the flow and my supervisor is encouraging me to speak up more. That's going to be a challenge, but one I look forward to meeting. I already have 3 clients on my caseload and I'm feeling really good about it. Case Management and Supervision is so helpful and I really look forward to utilizing it this year. As many professors say, supervision, supervision, supervision! It's key when learning how to become a better counselor and professional.

I'm learning to adjust to the idea that Jake won't be here this year. Today has been a bit challenging, as I realize there will be no weekly date or homework sessions together this year. However, I know that I have a lot to accomplish in the next 9 months, with my Master's of Social Work graduation and wedding (move and job searching also) coming up. The time by myself to focus on me, my education, preparing to be a Godly wife, and my relationship with God really is a blessing. I need to remember that when it's hard to be apart from my best friend.

God's been doing some amazing things and He will continue to do so. I have such a good feeling about this next year of my life (and for the rest of the time I'm here too lol). I will be graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's of Social Work degree, and married to my best friend all by June 10, 2012 at the age of 24. It's beautiful to me to see how God has orchestrated every piece, preparing my heart and Jacob's for the time ahead of us.

Let's be honest. I probably won't be blogging as often these next few months. Fall semester holds 3 classes (in addition to my seminar and field placement, which counts as a class), internship, Graduate Assistant position, planning a wedding, and hopefully making strides toward becoming a healthier overall person. It's going to be pretty busy. If I do get a chance, I want to write whenever possible. It's freeing and puts things in perspective for me. To all of my friends returning to school and beginning classes soon, blessings on your school year and remember to soak up every moment. To my friends not returning to school, whether it's the first time or not, blessings on your year at work or whatever else you may be doing, be it moving, planning a wedding, preparing for a baby, or finding out what God's next step is for you. I love and cherish you all!

With love,
Amanda

Choosing Joy

So lately, I've been making more of an effort to look on the bright side of difficult situations. I'm perfectly fine being encouraging to others as they face tough things, but when it comes to something going on in my life, I stink at finding the joy in what's challenging me. 

So much has happened this summer. There have been a lot of ups, downs, and in-betweens to my emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I've been at my best and I've nearly fallen apart. My so-called social life has suffered from my various commitments between classes, internship, and work. I swear, if Michaeleen couldn't vouch for me being alive, most people would probably think I fell off the planet. 

Most of my nights this summer have been spent wishing I was outdoors, at the beach, or with family and friends. Every now and then, I'll get in some time with family and friends, but I've spent a lot of time in my living room, working on projects, papers, and assignments. This isn't the way I wanted this summer to go, but with the completion of this past semester, I am more than halfway through the MSW program at GVSU. Wow. It's a great feeling, yet I know that I haven't been at my best this whole time (and who is at their best 100% of the time anyway?). 

I read my devotionals every morning and one that really touched me was a recent post by Mary Southerland. Excerpts from a Girlfriends in God devotional entitled "Thriving or Surviving?" from the August 11, 2011 are shared below.

God promises that if you know Him you will know true joy. Joy is not merely happiness but rather an unshakable confidence that God is in control. Therefore, He is our one and only source of joy and stands ready, waiting to saturate every circumstance with His presence. As His children, joy is ours to claim. If so, then where is it and why do we not experience a sense of confident celebration as we go through each day?

Choosing joy requires us to identify and eliminate the “joy stealers” in life. You may be allowing a person to take your joy. Maybe some painful experience from a shadowed yesterday is an obstacle of joy in your life today. Perhaps a fearful circumstance or a broken dream is the culprit.

I know life can be painful. I know life is often hard and unfair. I also know that God is in control. Therefore, if God really is God (and He definitely is) then we can and should be people of joy. I have read the final chapter of the Book and we win! Nothing and no one can take your joy without your permission. So, don’t give it! Choose joy! 

I've been facing so many challenges this summer. Adjusting to Jake's move back to the East side has been one of the toughest for me. I know what you're thinking, "Hello Amanda...you're going to MARRY the guy. You'd think a year of long-distance wouldn't be a problem for you." Jake is my best friend. The man I want to spend the rest of my life with. The man I share my ups, downs, and in-betweens with. He's seen me at my best and my worst and he loves me anyway (no make-up, sweatpants, and tears...can I get an amen?). Without him around, I have been in the red on the amount of hugs I require on a daily basis. Needless to say, it's been a long summer without him (but when the visits happen, they have been a big blessing!).


Adjusting to being at my internship, having classes, and going to work has been tough too. I am going from 7 or 8 a.m. to at least 5 or 7 p.m. every night. I know...it's not that bad, but honestly, I have been so drained by the end of the day. Part of what I'm learning in my internship is to establish boundaries and learn how to take better care of myself. To be honest, it's been touch and go with the quality of care I extend to myself, so it's been a difficult road to figuring out how to say no, cut back on saying yes, and establishing when I am available and when I need to take time to myself. This, combined with the crazy schedules, has resulted in little time with family and friends. And for this, I truly am sorry. The people in my life mean everything to me and I am sorry for not always being there and being available like I have been before.


In all of this, I have learned to appreciate the little moments. The unexpected run-ins with friends, the times with family and loved ones, and the small, quiet times of reflection on the drive to work, in watching the sunset, and taking the kayak out on the lake. God has really been teaching me to enjoy these moments, as they come at the perfect time, in the midst of the storms in this life. I find joy in the quiet moments, the laughter amongst friends, and the solace of a hug. I find joy in the struggles and suffering because I know I have a God who goes before me and has already won the battle. I have family, friends, and a man by my side who are cheering me on, loving and supporting me all the way. I am so blessed. I am blessed to be in this struggle and to be given all that I have, challenges and all. I encourage you to seek out the joy in your situation, no matter how difficult it is. God is there, waiting to show you something like this...
 

to remind you of all the good He has for you to keep you going through the messes and challenges. There are people He's placed in your life to remind you of His love and grace, as well as support and love on you when times are hard. I am so thankful for those people in my life, and for those moments. I choose joy more often than not now, and I'm pretty happy about it. 

"God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy" - Job 8:21

With love,

Amanda

Some things I enjoy...

Sorry for my lack of posts lately...life has been busy and I feel like I'm always on the go. Here's a little something though...

Some things I enjoy...

1. Skype dates with my future hubby
2. My family
   
3. My future family
   
4. Making earnest effort to drink water all day instead of resorting to pop (I feel so much better!)
5. Fresh air
6. Friendship with my Roomie
7. Camaraderie with coworkers
8. Making someone else smile or laugh
9. Living on a lake...access to a beach, water, and kayaking or swimming whenever I want is so great!
10. Sleepovers with Michaeleen and Katie
11. Impromptu dance parties
12. Friends who I can dress up or down around
13. Summer sun on my skin
14. Freckles
    
15. The sight of my man in a baseball hat and cutoff shirt
16. My engagement ring
17. Four day weekends
    
18. Trips to Sterling Heights
    
19. Spending time with my soon-to-be nieces
    
20. The video of our engagement that Jake made

With love,
Amanda

Life Lately

Hello blog friends!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I wrote...it's been a busy life lately: going to Ireland, classes, internship, work, and wedding planning, while missing my fiancé. My internship has been fantastic, especially the training and interacting with the faculty and staff on campus. I'm really excited about what I'll be learning throughout this year and have a feeling that I will definitely be challenged and grow from this experience. I want to become a more competent and empathetic social worker/therapist. I am so excited to work with the students!

Classes are enjoyable this summer. I just finished up my work for the Ireland study abroad class, and am enrolled in Substance Abuse and Research II classes. I'm working with my good friend Paul on our research project, which I am really excited about. We are studying the experiences of survivors of suicide, meaning those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

I was inspired to conduct this research by the loss of an incredible guy Jake and I were both friends with: Cory. We spent time with him earlier on the day he passed away and his death really affected me. I am doing this research as a sort of love project in honor of him. Miss you Cory!

Work is going well, although it's hard to squeeze in 10 hours during business hours with everything else going on. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to continue working with the staff at CRI and members of community organizations. It's been a terrific experience.

I went dress shopping for the wedding for the first time this past Saturday. What a fun, yet a bit overwhelming, experience! We went to a bridal shop in GR that had over 3,000 dresses! I tried 21 (ohmygoodness!) dresses on (taking pictures of each one--front and back--for later reference) and ended up finding two I like. I'm not 100% sold on either, but I'm really excited to continue shopping! Wedding planning is going pretty well also. We're hoping to lock down the date (and venue) when Jake visits in July.

I cannot wait to see him! This time of separation is really tough, but I know I'm growing and learning through it all. He recently moved into a condo with his brother Steve, which is really exciting for them. His new position at the church is going well and I'm really proud of him! I cannot wait to marry him...=)

Well I need to get to bed...another long day ahead of me tomorrow. Sweetdreams!

With love,
Amanda