Worry

This is an exciting week! This Friday, Giana and I fly out for her first visit to RI. I am so excited for our family and friends in RI to meet her. It will be a special time for us all. I will be taking pictures of the visit and I can't wait to share! I am extremely nervous about flying with her. When I start to worry, the Lord seems to always bring to my mind this verse: Do no be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34) I have always been a worrier, especially now being a new mom. For example, I have to check on Giana throughout the night to make sure she is ok; I worry if she is developing properly; or I worry she will get sick...... The Lord has really been working in my heart about this worrying. I am learning to give her to the Lord each and every day. He is in control of her life as well as my own. So instead of worrying about tomorrow, I am going to cherish every day with my family.

 This past week Giana has been sitting up by herself. She ends up toppling over, but for the most part she is sitting on her own! Also, I wanted to share some pictures of her nursery. My "inspiration" came from a patterned box and picture. (The box is in the bookcase below and the frame is above the bookcase.)

I had an artist draw this butterfly over her crib. She did an awesome job!

My little cupcake :) For the crib, I wanted simple bedding-my mom made the bed skirt out of a shower curtain!
                                 
My sister drew this butterfly pic for Giana. Love it!


This week with Giana (and Rudy):
                                 

              She loves her carrot from Grammy Moore!    Rudy got a haircut...can't forget him!

                                        

Giana at church in her outfit from her Great-Grandmother Patterson; Giana sitting up like a big girl!

Giana helping mommy pack for our trip to RI!

Thank you all for reading our blog! We love to be able to share our pictures and thoughts with friends and family. Have a wonderful week! 

-AM

                                         

All Things New

It has been unseasonably warm in West Michigan the last two weeks.  I'm not talking about a few degrees above average...I'm talking that we are experiencing 30-40 degrees from where we normally are at this time of year.  It has been so nice the last few days that Amanda and I have taken some walks and I even started running again.  Last night, my parents came over to hang out with us (mostly Giana) and they joined us on stroll around our neighborhood.  We had a great time talking and walking while we enjoyed the beautiful weather.  We were all blown away at the flowers and trees that are blooming 5-6 weeks ahead of schedule.

 

Trust me, I'm not a sucker for nature, but there is something incredible about watching the flowers and trees come back to life after a cold winter.  It is remarkable to see our Creator and His handiwork in action.  In fact, earlier this week while I was running with Giana, I was reminded how it is just like our God to take the dead things of this world and give new life.  I guess the thing that astonishes me more than anything is that the God of the Bible allows us to experience and see first-hand this new life.   I'm so thankful that he has taken my "dead" life and given me new life through His son Jesus.  May this time of year be a reminder to all of us that God is making all things new...not just with the flowers and trees, but He can and will make all things new in your life as well!!

Check out this song by Elevation Worship:

-JNM

Italian Cooking

What a gorgeous weekend we had! We took Giana for a walk in her jogger stroller. I can't believe she fits in it already. Time is flying by...I am excited for the day when Giana is old enough to cook with mommy in the kitchen. I grew up on Italian cooking.My mom (and dad) love to cook.  My mom is English but learned how to cook Italian-she is amazing! My dad is an awesome cook too. My father was a cook in his late teens and early twenties. I never showed a huge interest in cooking when I was younger. I did love to bake though. (probably because I love to eat cookie dough-ha!) When Jared and I were dating long distance, he would visit roughly every 6-10 weeks. When he visited, he loved eating my mom's cooking. She would make him sausage and peppers, chicken and artichoke, pasta with her yummy pasta sauce...He was in heaven! (especially because he was living on hot dogs and ramen noodles-nasty!) When we got married, I wanted to learn to cook like my mom and dad. When I was just learning to cook, I called home a lot for help-still do! Many women can relate to those first few months of marriage. We are trying to figure out how to manage a house, cook, work....it's a lot! I first learned how to make my family's marinara sauce. Check it out:

 Pannullo Marinara Sauce

2 tbs Olive Oil

1/2 cup sweet onion

4/5 garlic cloves

1 tsp basil and parsley

1 teaspoon salt and black pepper

2 28 oz cans of Pastene tomatoes

Directions:

 Saute olive oil, garlic, and onions until onions/garlic are tender

Add the 2 cans of Pastene tomatoes (my mom brings the pastene tomatoes in cases to me-I can't find them in MI-they have the best flavor for the sauce!)

 Add salt, pepper, basil, and parsley and bring sauce to a boil. When the sauce is at a boil, reduce and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Add the sauce to pasta or Chicken Parmesan, etc.

Here is what I added the sauce to this week:

Chicken Parmesan (healthy version)

6 piece of boneless chicken (tenderloin, breast)

2 eggs

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

1 tsp salt, pepper, Italian seasoning

2 cups Marinara Sauce

1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese

 I used boneless chicken tenderloin (you can use chicken breast too); I placed chicken (separately) in egg and then in the Panko bread crumbs mixed with the salt, pepper, and It. seasoning. A couple months ago, my dad told me to use Panko bread crumbs- they are the best. I totally agree! I placed the breaded chicken in an oven friendly dish. I poured sauce over the chicken and baked them at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Lastly, I added the cheese for an additional 5 minutes.

It was yummy! 

Here are some pics from our gorgeous weekend!

Have a wonderful week! -AM

Change

I have come to the conclusion that Rudy does not like change. Anytime we go on vacation and leave him with friends or family, he does not eat for a couple days. When Giana was born, he didn't eat for a month, and if he did eat anything, he would throw up. (He is doing a lot better and starting to acknowledge her existence) Last week, the day after my mom left, Jared came home to Rudy's throw up all over our WHITE bedspread. Needless to say, he doesn't do well with change. I wonder who he takes after? ;) Jared gave me the go ahead to get a new bedspread. I was excited and wanted to put some of my pinterest projects to work!  Here are some pics of my new bedspread and decor...

 I spray painted the white bowl. (It was glass before.) I have been seeing a lot of white accent pieces lately....I wanted the curtains to be light and airy but still reflect the colors in the bedspread.

 For this frame, I just bought scrapbook paper and made a pattern and added the ribbon and pendant for a special touch....

 Found bed spread at TJ Maxx-love that store! It's Calvin Klein and paid half price for it! The coverlet and euro shams are from Bed, Bath and Beyond and they were half price too! Score! ;)

 I have learned not to use too small of frames/art work on a wall, or the wall will swallow them up. (my little pet peeve....)

  I always wanted a leaning mirror!

I spray painted the base of the lamp (3 bucks from a consignment shop!) I wasn't sure about the shade...I added the ribbon to tie in the ribbon in the frame above. I also spray painted the little vase.

I struggle with change too. The Lord has been teaching me to have FAITH in His promises. I know that with my faith in God; I can handle the changes coming my/our way. The song "Give Me Faith" by Elevation Worship has been an amazing encouragement to me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Voi3JM8ZA  My prayer is that the Lord will soften my heart to His plan for our lives.

I wanted to share some Giana pics of the week. She turned 5 months on Tuesday! I can't believe how big she is getting! We are so grateful for our little munchkin. She brings us so much joy!

 Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)

-AM

Family Support

It is great to have family (my parents and in-laws) who are supportive of their children.  Recently, Amanda and I have shared some plans and future desires with our parents and we have been blown away by their encouragement and support.  To be honest, it is nerve-racking when we begin the process of sharing thoughts and dreams of the future.  We didn't know how our family and friends would react, especially those who care and love us the most.

It wouldn't surprise us if they think we are a little crazy and a touch overzealous, but their support has been unwavering.  They have shared advice, spoke honestly, and most importantly they have encouraged us with prayers. We are thankful for our family.

So here is our encouragement for this post:  If you believe God is calling you to do something big or small (buy/sell a house, have a baby, financial decision, going back to school, etc...), seek wise counsel from your family.  They know you the best; they give the best advice!

-JNM

Nana's Visit

Nana's visit was short but sweet. It's hard to live far away from family. Goodbyes will always be difficult. I am learning to be thankful for the time we do have together and make each visit special. We all had a wonderful time. Giana had her special Nana time by taking bathies, playing (especially with her new froggie), cuddling, and dressing up in the new outfits Nana brought for her.

Of course, we did our traditional shopping. Mom (Nana) and I love going to the Gas Light Village in East

Grand Rapids. It's a quaint place to walk and shop. A few weeks ago, Jared and I found an adorable children's boutique called Snap Dragon behind the main street. We took Mom  there for the first time. At the boutique, I found these cool bow holders. Giana has a bunch of bows/flowers for her hair, and I have been trying to figure out how to store them. This was a perfect find! I only bought two, because I think they will be easy to make. Take a look:

They are just long ribbons attached to a metal loop. I put a plastic, stick-on hook on the back of her door and hung them. It's easy to find and see a matching flower/bow for her daily outfits. So fun!

 Here are pics of Nana's visit:

               Nana and Giana are matching in their purple vests! Can you see Jared rolling his eyes? hahaha! We did it just for his reaction! ;)         

                                                            On our way out to shop!

                                                        Giana exhausted from shopping ;)             

                                                                Saturday Night Church

                                                                       Hugs with Nana

                                                      Her face cracks me up in this one!

                                                                           Love this!

                                                              Giana with her new froggie!

I am so thankful for this special time. I am looking forward to our next visit (with Papa too!) and counting down the days!-AM