Friday, December 13, 2013

Merry Christmas, so far.......


 WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS,






WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS,






WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS,






AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!





 Well, Christmas is almost here. I'm very happy. I love Christmas time because my family comes together under one roof and shares laughs, and love. I hope your Christmas Season is going well. With Love and Warm Prayers,

 Arielle Caitlynn.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Being who I am.



 I'm not a math person, I'm not a science person, I'm not a history person, I'm not a chemistry, I'm not all that book smart, but you know what?! I can read, I can write, I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. I know enough science to get me by, as well as history. Chemistry, well I know not to mix bleach with anything, and I know how to make a small "boom". I am who I am. I am life smart. I cook, sew, knit, crochet, paint, sketch, keep house, work my butt off, I know how to care for Kids and animals. I pray, I love, I care, I get mad, But I'm an all around nice, happy person. I'm sorry, I didn't go to college. I was never good at paying attention. But who says you need a college degree to raise a family, homeschool, and be a wife and mother.


My little sister and Niece.

 I've been married for a little over a year now, and so far it's been good. Fights like always, but the next day we are going out to eat and laughing. We are moving! Down the street from where we are now, there is a 2 bedroom apartment for rent. It's only $25/mth more, and we can get a pet deposit! Not that we have a pet now, but it's nice to know we can get one. The place is about the same as my Darlings last apartment he lived in before we got married. Actually, it looks just like it only in the first set of units. It's two bedroom, with a nice big living room, a bigger kitchen, but no counter space, so I am going to get a small shelf for putting pots, pans and food on, and a bakers cart for my coffee corner. There is also a small patio. And the best part, I can plant a garden! I'm already thinking, getting some BIG pots, and making a box or two and planting some turnips, green beans, some pretty flowers and other late season plants. Oh and Pumpkins! 




I wasn't happy about moving at first. I like the place we are in now. Ac, Free water and gas for cooking and heat. Our neighbors are so quite, and it has become my home. Go figure as soon as I get settled and start calling this place my home, we pack up and leave. Oh well. I guess this will be good for us. My Darling will have an office space, so I can go from living room, to bed room with out disturbing him on the phone anymore. Our guests will have some more privacy when they stay the night. And I can have my garden and my darling can BBQ! No more mountain climbing to get the groceries up stairs, and no more 6am big rig trucks blazing through town under our living room windows with the engine brake on. Not sure how the neighbors are yet. I don't do well with neighbors that stay up til 5am yelling and screaming, or playing video games too loud, or music, or vacuuming. My upstairs neighbors did that. All of that. Every night. I went insane. But thank goodness this is a one level apartment unit. 
 In this new apartment, I can be who I really am with my garden. I can get dirty, and be happy about it. I can start a compost again, and not feel like crying everytime I have to throw away peelings or coffee grounds. They can go straight to my garden. Oh happy day!


The past month, pretty much, I have been home with my family helping to get the place ready for my Grandma and uncle to come visit. It was great. I worked in the garden, worked and played with the animals, got to spend time with my family like we used to. It was so nice. I miss working in a garden everyday with my momma, or going out to eat for lunch with my sister. Staying up and watching movies with my daddy. 
 Momma and I had a deal. And it still stands. When I come up to visit, I make dinner. And I'm ok with that. I made dinner every night. And it was never a repeat. Everyone sat down at the table to eat. No tv or radio. Just us. I loved that. I want family meals every night with my future family. No tv, no radio, unless it's classical or even big band music. Just the family, mommy, daddy, kids. Friends are invited, family too. A nice big almost 3-4 course meal. With Veggies, and meat and bread, and a salad. Always a salad. I want my family to know what a good dinner is. I don't want anyone to go to bed hungry, ever. Also, no soda. At dinner, it will be water, juice (apple, grape or orange, no koolaid.) milk or iced tea. No soda after lunch. Only on special occasions like BBQs or holidays. We will talk about our days. No cursing, or griping or complaining. Just talking. How was your day? "Good, had a run in with a coworker but noting too bad. How was yours?" "Fine, worked in the garden, went shopping, today the kids and I learned about the civil war!" Stuff like that. Think 1950's movies where the dad comes home the the table is set and everyone looks like a magazine cover. Only, the kids will probably have paint in their hair, their feel will be dirty from playing out side and the class room/living room will be filled with crafts and projects. But their hands and faces will be washed. I will have messy hair, tired eyes, and running eyeliner. But My Darling will still think I'm beautiful. (He has said so. ^_^) 
 Then after dinner, we will go out side for some play time, then take care of animals, then we will watch a movie, read the kids a story, bed time, then sleep. 
 Yes, I have had plenty of time to think about this. And I know, not everything will be the way I have imagined it. But it will come close.



Well, the time has come for the local college to start up again, so that means work. I have been hired FULL TIME! I will be working full time and will get a raise in my pay. With my darling, working weekends as a bartender and also full time in the kitchen, and me working full time and selling my creations at The Little Red Hen Gift Shop, we will be making so much more money, that we can save up for future baby and other things. I'm not too happy about full time work because I love my time off, but I'll take it so I wont have to work when I have kids.



So to end this long post, I want to just say,

 That Life isn't about Waiting for the Storm to Pass, it's about Going out and Dancing in the Rain.

In life you will go through so many storms, so many bad spots, and you may think life sucks and wont get better. But let me tell you. You will make it through. I have been through so much in just the past 91/2 years, and there is more crap to come, but I made it through and I know I can keep going. As long as I keep praying and have my amazing friends and family to go to, I can make it to the end of times. I know you can too. I pray that God gives you peace, and strength. Love and joy, but also tears. And that when you come out of the storm, that God gives you the knowledge and mindfulness of just how great life is. You really never know how great life is until you come out of a bad spot. Then you can look life in the eyes and stick out your tongue and say, "I made it, and I'm happy I did. You didn't beat me this time and you never will. Thank You GOD!" 





 So, be who you are but always strive to be your best. If you are a bad mood or are feeling low, smile and say something nice to a stranger, and see their smile, in that smile you will see that their day is worse than yours and you just made it better. Always remember, someone out there has got it so much worse than you, so treat others with care. Be Kind. 

 With so much Love, 
Arielle Caitlynn.




Sunday, June 16, 2013

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!


He held me in his arms when I cried, He tried not to cuddle me when I was in trouble,


He showed me how to be silly and not give a darn what other people thought of me,


He Held My Hand As I Took My First Steps,


And Let Go When I was Ready To Run.


He Held My Hand As WE Walked Down the Aisle,


And Let Go To Give Me Away,


He has always been there for me. Smiling and laughing with me,


He works so hard to give his family anything they need or want,


He always embarrassed me with his dorky moves,


And would always sing off key and very loud,


But He always made us smile and we loved him no matter what.


He is My Daddy,


And I Love Him.


He still holds me in his heart when I call him crying, and has to fight the urge to come get me when he feels I'm in trouble. He still holds my hand when we go for a walk, and I never want to let go. He still embarrasses me with his dorky dance moves, but I still laugh and smile. He is my Daddy, And I Love Him!




Thursday, June 13, 2013

Dinner Time!!

Here is what is for dinner....




HOGIE STEAK SANDWICHES! (just like you get at the fair!)

  • You will need; 1 large onion
  • 2-3 Peppers in any color you like (the red orange and yellow ones were on sale)
  • 1 Pack of White Mushrooms
  • Lots of Butter
  • Salt, Pepper, and Seasoned salt (can opt out the seasoned salt or keep it and get rid of salt.)
  • 2-3 Lbs of Cubed Steak
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • French rolls, or home made rolls.
  1. In an Iron Skillet, Saute the Onions and Peppers and Mushrooms in 2T. Butter. As they saute,
  2. Cut the Steak into 1" Strips, and season with salt, pepper, and seasoned salt, set aside.
  3. After peppers, onions, and mushrooms are done, Add 2T. Butter to skillet and brown.
  4. Add Steak strips to skillet. Let sit for 1 min or longer (DO NOT STIR) until browned. Then Flip and Repeat until the steak is cooked through.
  5. Add Veggies, and Sauce.
  6. In Same Skillet (after everything is removed) Butter Rolls on one side and Toast.
Pile High, Add some Tomato and Mayo and Pickles and You got your self one heck of a great
 Hogie Steak Sandwich!



Mac-N-Cheese!


You will need:

  • 4C. Dry Elbow Macaroni
  • 1 Egg Beaten
  • 1/4 C. (1/2 stick) Butter
  • 1/4 C. Flour
  • 2 1/2 C. Milk
  • 1lb Cheddar Cheese (I used a whole pack of shredded, 2 C.)
  • 1/2 t. Salt, seasoned salt and pepper. (or to taste)
  1. Cook Macaroni. Set aside.
  2. In a sauce pan on Med-Med High heat, melt butter, and sprinkle in flour, Whisk Together and cook 5 mins. WHISK CONSTANTLY! Don't Let It Burn!
  3. Pour in Milk, whisk until it's smooth, WHISK CONSTANTLY!! Cook 5 mins. reduce heat to Low.
  4. To tempura egg, slowly add 1/4 of sauce whisking constantly until smooth then add egg to sauce pan. Whisk until smooth. Then Add Salt and Pepper and Seasoned Salt to taste.
  5. Butter a baking dish, add pasta, then add sauce on top. Stir together. Add Cheese, mix in.
  6. Bake 350* for 20-25 mins, or until cheese is melted and kind of crusty on top.
EnJoy!!! 

Blessings,
 ~*Arielle*Caitlynn*~

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Busy Little Bee.

I've been a busy little bee lately.
 I've rearranged the living room and have been cleaning and simplifying like crazy.

 My Darling Chris and I are celebrating our 1 Year Anniversary this weekend, and we are having some friends over for a pic nick. So I am trying to make the apartment as big as I can incase we get rained out. The Kitchen has the stay the way it is, Unless I tare out the cabinets.
















 But the living room, Now that was a job well done.




It looks bigger, and more comfortable. I am really liking the new set up.


















I may not have a  balcony or a terrace but I love having the table by the windows so I can get the breeze as I work or eat. :)


I had thought about moving the book shelf, but it's too heavy and the only place it would really go is in the corner where the roof leaks. And I don't want water dripping on my books or sewing machine.


I like having Chris' China stuff up. It makes a good accent wall, and Chris loves to talk about his month in China where he made the scroll and got the sward in a gift shop when he saw the Terracotta Soldiers.





No T.V. yet. But our laptops work just fine. :)

















Plenty of walking and foot room now. And if you sleep on the couch, if the semi trucks and police car sirens don't wake you up, the morning sun will. :)






















Honey Oat Bread. After it raised I drizzled some Honey on top then some oats then baked it!



As I worked, the smell of bread filled the whole apartment! Chris got home and thought I had some beer. Silly boy.


 Well that has been my week so far. Next to rearrange is the bed room. :)

 Have a wonderful day.


Many Blessings.

 ~*Arielle*Caitlynn*~



“Though she be but little, she is fierce!”


― William ShakespeareA Midsummer Night's Dream

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Between a Rock and a Hard Place,

 We've all heard the saying, "Between a Rock and A Hard Place," I know I have. But I never really understood the meaning. Until Now.
 As you know My Darling Husband Chris, is looking for a job. He has a Bar-tending job, but that wont pay the bills. So he has been going to a lot of interviews, on of which was in Columbus. He went in, charmed them, went back for a second interview and got the job. He has a week to let them know if he really wants the job. And he does.
 So that means moving. Moving from the place where I am most comfortable, close to my friends and family, and going 2 1/2 hours north. That is the Rock I'm up against, but my hard place is, I'm His Wife.
 Ruth 1:16 "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay." 
I know that verse is Ruth talking to her Mother-in-Law, But it also applies to marriage.
 If Chris wants the job in Columbus, then he will take the job. If he moves, I have to move. But I don't want to move. I hate moving, I hate change! I don't like big cities, I have no car, I would have no way to get around unless I walk and that is not going to go well living in a city. Now I know we wont live on Main Street above convenience store that gets robbed every night. Or next to a meth lab. Chris will find a decent place for us, but I just don't want to go. Lord I don't want to go.

Chris has two interviews today in other places that are about the same as the job in Columbus, but he is really leaning towards that one.

Last night I stayed up and cried and prayed. I don't know what to do. I want him to have a job he will like and that will pay our bills and put food in our kitchen, but I don't want to go.
 If we move I will have to find a full time job somewhere, and that will be very hard for me. We can't live on one pay check. Not if the apartment we get is almost $700.00 a month. I have never wanted to have a full time job. That was not my plan after getting married. My plan was, Get married, Work a part time job til we were caught up enough, start an online business selling my crafts, then having some kids, then maybe one day, moving to a farm, living happily ever after.
 But...    Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps."
 I made my plans, and God is taking me another way. 

I'm Stuck Between a Rock, wanting my husband to have a good job to provide for his family, and a Hard Place, not wanting to follow him but live my own dreams.
 As I type this I am crying, I don't know what to do. I have to move if he moves, but it will not make me happy. This little apartment on Main St. with the noisy traffic and bakery smells has finally started to feel like a home to me. And it's getting taken away from me. 


 After taking a few minutes to think, cry, pray, and read this over... 
I'm being very selfish. Very Selfish!!

 If Chris wants the Job in Columbus, he can take it. I will move with him if I have to. No I will not be very happy at first, but I will be okay. Moving will not kill me and I have to look at it as God Has A Plan For Me, Him, US there! Maybe we could get an apartment with a balcony, where we can put a table and chairs and some potted plants and have Breakfast Au Fresco. Or maybe a small house, with two bedrooms, and a small yard where I can put in a small garden. I have to look at the bright side of this. 
 This will be a fresh start for us. Chris and I have been fighting a bit lately, and maybe this job will be our saving grace. Maybe with the extra money he makes we can get a second car, I'll get a job, save up the money, open a second savings account, and maybe even start our family.
 "Oh Lord, Thy Will Be Done!"
I'm Putting This In Gods Hands Now!
 If Chris Takes this job, then he takes it and God will provide. If he takes the job else where, Then God Will Provide!!
 No I'm not too happy about not knowing what will happen, where I will be living in the next month, but God will help us. He has always brought us though the storms of our lives, He will guide us though this one.

 "I'm Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place, But I some room to move." ;)

Prayers are needed, Love is accepted, Guidance is Welcomed.

 Many Blessings to you and thanks for listening (reading)

~*Arielle*Caitlynn*~

Monday, May 27, 2013

Praise The Lord,

 Yes, Praise Him!
My Darling Husband, Chris, Has a job! He is bar-tending at a Country Club and is loving it. We did bar-tending school over Christmas Break and ever sense he has been looking for a job and now he has it. He is driving about 45 mins to get there, but the tips he makes is enough to pay for gas. I'm so happy for him. Now if only I could find a second job...
 Well I do have something.....
I will be selling my crafts at The Little Red Hen Shop, my momma sells some of her stuff there, like her soap and crocheted dish/wash rags. I'm very excited about this. I'll be one step closer to maybe starting up an online boutique like I have always wanted to do. If you are near the area you will have to stop by. Momma is going to be Featured for the month of June. I'll be there with her. http://marketlanesoapcompany.blogspot.com/2013/05/market-lane-soap-company-at-little-red.html

 Well other than jobs, life here in our little apartment is about the same. I've been sewing like crazy, and enjoying the cooler days. Right now I've got the living room windows open and some clothes on the drying rack, drinking some sweet tea, waiting for my darling husband to come home.
 It's a nice evening. It's also quite here in our little town. And I like it.
Last night, I got to go out with some friends from our Young Married Couples Sunday School Class, to the Taste of Cincinnati. I kind of felt like the third wheel not having Chris with me, but I had fun. Got to try some yummy things. I really liked the chocolate dipped strawberries! I've been wanting fresh from the garden strawberries for a while now, but these were not too bad. Just right on a warm evening.
 I went home this past week to work on my crafts for ~*Caitydid*Creations*~ and to help momma with her stuff to sell. It was a good week. I also stayed at my oldersisters to baby sit. I was way beyond worn out when the weekend was over. My niece and nephew were wild things, but I had fun. I can't wait to have my niece over for sleep overs this summer. We will do lots of girrly things. Like get our hair done, go shopping and play dress up. Watch movies and eat popcorn. I can't wait. :)

 Oh, goodness. Life here has felt as if it's slowed almost to a stop, but at the same time, feel as if I can't keep up. It's almost been a whole year sense our wedding. But I feel like it was just last week I was still planning. One full year and so much yet not alot has happened. We are still in our little one room apartment, still working at the college, no little ones yet. But yet, we have had so many first holidays, car accidents, outings, dates. It's been a crazy rollercoaster, this year has. Let me tell you. Marriage is not for the weak of heart. Ups, Downs, loop de loops, curve balls, enough money one day, no money the next, hugs and kisses one night, fights and sleeping on the couch the next. But you know what?!
 I wouldn't trade my life for any other. I love being a wife. I get the chance to support my husband and he supports me. The love we share will never be replaced. God has truly Blessed us, and I am so Thankful. Thank You Lord. Thank You.

 I hope you are enjoying your life. Many Blessings,
~*Arielle*Caitlynn*~

Friday, May 17, 2013

"HONEY. WHAT'S FOR DINNER?!?"








In a Skillet, 2 chicken breasts, pan seared. Add half a bag of frozen spinach (let it cook a bit on low) then add some fettuccine sauce, then some diced tomatoes. Let it all simmer til it bubbles. (not too long) Turn burner off, add some mozzarella cheese, and some parmesan throw some more tomatoes on top. DINNER!! (I only had two chicken breasts left but this could easily make dinner for 4-6. :) Made it up on the fly!








How about Dessert!?! :)








Preheat oven to 500* 2C.apFlour, 1T Baking Powder, 11/2t. salt, 3T Sugar, 1 stick unsalt butter cut in to little pats put in freezer. 3/4C Butter Milk. Combine Dry Ing. Cut in Butter from freezer. Add Buttermilk mix til all combined. Turn out onto floured counter. Knead a few times. Add Frozen Berries. I did 3 handfulls. Knead, Grab small dough ball, place in buttered Cast Iron Skillet, make sure all dough is used and covers the pan, you want it kind of thick. Bake 500* 8-15 mins. About half way, brush melted butter on tops and sides of biscuits, and drizzle some honey on top, finish baking. Let stand 5-10 mins, Serve warm! So Good, I took a bite and said, "OH MY GOSH! THIS IS GOOD!!!!"






Hope you enjoy! :)

 Many Blessings this beautiful evening.

~*Arielle*Caitlynn*~

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Good Morning!!












It's a beautiful pre-summer day. I'm up early, and waiting on my coffee and doing some yoga in the morning sun coming through my living room windows.




 I work today at 11:00 am, and I'm not sure when I'll be home. But I am happy to have at least this one job this summer. My Darling Husband has been laid off for the month of May so he is a very busy bee trying to get a second job that may lead into a better (paying) full time job. I'm still working at the college, setting up, serving at, and cleaning up banquets. There are not as many this year as there were last, but I'm happy to still have some paying hours.
 I'm also happy to have some days off too, I'll be going home some, to help momma in the garden and with her soap business. I'm also cranking out some home made stuff myself!!
 Caity's Home Made Concoctions will be rolling into business soon!
I'll be making Little Guy Neck Ties,




 Coffee Cozies,


 & Little Girrly Head Bands. I'll be branching out to make more things as well but in time.
 I can't wait to start an online business with Momma! It will be so much fun. We have always talked about doing it and now with her selling her soap and homemade do-dads at the shop, she is really taking off, I just have to catch up a bit. We are going to make a small dream come true.
 Things here in the apartment on Main St, are about the same. Wake up, drink coffee, check email, facebook, my darling wakes up, get ready for work (if I work that day) read, sew, crochet while watching a movie during lunch... about the same. Just different work hours now.
 I'm not going to complain about work, lack of, or too much. I'm content where I am right now. Yes there is always that deep down secret, not so secret, wish of having more money to get a bigger place and setting up a savings account for future little ones when they come around, but for now I'm content. Nothing wrong with that. We are happy, we have food, bills and rent are getting paid, so no worries. God will provide.
 Well my friend(s) it was nice Chatting with you. Until we meet again,
Many Blessings.

~*Arielle*Caitlynn*~