What a blessing to know He is in control

What many people don't realize is how blessed I feel on a day-to-day basic. Life gets tough. Life is real it gets hard at times. And sometimes the hard times last a long time. But at the end of the day, life is still happening. The good part of life, the joys, happiness, family, laughter and the faith knowing you are not in control but that God is. What a blessing, to know God is in control.

God is so in control from day one. If only we could all relax and take a deep breath more and realized how in control he is. I have always had faith in God, but I didn't realize his blessings in my life. Yes I knew I had a great family with amazing, truly amazing parents. But I didn't realize that God had control over that. Only because my parents sought after him for guidance in His word that they were able to give me wisdom to make good choices. 

Those choices, little but sometimes big lead to where I am today. And whom I am with today. 

Cain could have just been another guy in my life, someone who would pass through and not have a second thought about. But God knew our love story before we did. And I believe he did have complete control when paring us up. With a little help from Jasper he brought us together as friends and in time our love for each other grew stronger and stronger. 

What we have been through together and have come out the other side loving deeper is God's hand in our lives. 

I'm so blessed to have Cain. The saying "You can't have it all" doesn't apply to me. I have it all. Not all the clothes in the world, not all the best makeup, I could use a few more pairs of shoes (like every girl) I don't have all the money in the world, I won't ever get the perfect body and I don't own all the nice household items I wish I did. But in life, I have love. The endless love from God, love from my Cain, my parents and family. 

Bobbi (our photographer) said it best when saying, "Cain wins at life" I would have to agree haha.  And also say I win at life too. Not because of the things I have but because of the love I have. 

I am so extremely excited about spending the rest of my life in the arms of Cain. And with our faith to be excited about what God has planned for us. Because I know now he is in control I can enjoy the life he has given us and will always try to use it to his Glory. 

I would like to take this time to thank all the people who have wished us so many well wishes on our future. The blog post Bobbi and Mike posted was a tearjerker for me. And I was there! But she really did bring to life those images of us, and that beautiful moment when Cain asked me to marry him. 

And of course I will recommend everyone to Bobbi and Mike even more now ;)

I start crying reading the comments from so many strangers saying so many sweet things. To know we have an army of people supporting us is overwhelming, but in a good way. We are so thankful!

We also can't explain how thankful we are for the video Ben filmed for us. It's breathtaking I cry every time I watch it.

Excitement has been surrounding us for quite some time. And I hope it never ends. The love we share for each other is so special and I hope to always remember to enjoy life, and not get caught up in the little stuff. But to trust God to lead us through the hard times, and the good.

Romans 8:28

Lanette

  

Short visit

We got a short but amazing visit from Cain today. He got out of class early and didn't work until 4:00 so we got him for a total of 40 minutes! Nova was pretty excited to see him as you can see.

We played a game of Ping Pong (I won) and watched our proposal video together. We both cried.

I'm going to go see him in a few after he gets off work and before he heads to the apartment. Missing him a lot. He is so amazing.

Lanette

cooking and nailing in shelves

This weekend I was busy preparing Cain's next weeks meals. I also was going to babysit all day Saturday but due do the weather the parents didn't want to be gone all day/night so decided on just doing a dinner date. Which meant I got a dinner date with the kiddos! 

Saturday was also Cain's first drill day at his new unit. Here is a little story: (Who doesn't love a little story?) 

I haven't heard from Cain all day, which is normal. But come 4:00pm I received a text from him. He asked "when does St. Francis classes end for the summer?" I only knew because I had to check that before making a wedding date! I told him, then he said "Feeling out papers for Air Assault" My mouth dropped. I then giggled for 15 minutes. What a stud, first day there and he is already doing what he can to get the most out of his time there. 

Another 20 minute passes. I receive another text from Cain saying "AIR ASSAULT school Aug 20th-31th" Haha my month dropped, again. "Shut up!" I said, to the phone. Full out laughing now I replied with a lot of "Omg's" "Congrats" "You rock" I was SO EXCITED! This is something he has wanted to do before even joining the Military. 

So how did he get Air Assault dates the first day at his new unit? He told them what he wanted. So many Soldiers just show up, do their PT, fart around and leave. Not wanting to put effort in. Not Cain, that's not him when it comes to life or the Army. He has goals and dreams to get finished so he can move on to the next. I'm so extremely proud of him. 

So yes, you will be hearing more about that coming up! We aren't sure where it's at yet. I asked him that Saturday when he told me and his answer was "I was to excited I forgot to ask" Haha. Stop it Cain, you're to cute I can't handle it sometimes :p

Sunday I took the risks of driving in a winter storm to go see Cain and prepare his meals for the week. And the risk made off, I made it there safe with groceries in hand! 

First new thing for this week for him to try is the cereal I made him. I did that at my parents because I needed to soak the nuts over night. 

January 24th

I got the recipe from Against all Grains. I love her food! Here is the LINK and here is what the recipe called for. 

1/2 cup raw pecans


1/2 cup raw hazelnuts


1 cup raw almonds


1 cup raw walnuts


1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds


1 tablespoon golden flax seeds (omit for SCD)


2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted


1 tablespoon cinnamon


3/4 cup honey, melted


1-1/2 tablespoons vanilla


3/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus 1 teaspoon for soaking water)


1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened


1/2 cup raisins

The reason I thought Cain would like this one is because of the raisins. 

So back to Sunday, I boiled the chicken breast for his favorite CC Burritos. I normally boil two chicken breast to make 4-5 burritos but there were only 2 tortilla and he had plenty of other food options for the week so I down sized the recipe!

What you'll need though to make a bigger batch.

2-3 Chicken breast (Cooked and shredded)

2 blocks of Cream Cheese (Organic)

1/2-1 Cup Salsa (No added sugar)

4-6 Ezekiel Tortilla's

Cheese (Optional for topping)

(I choice not to eat grains but if you are to eat them make sure they are sprouted)

So boil the chicken and shred it.

Add the cream cheese.

Add salsa. 

 And the fun part, mix it all together with your hands! Now you may try and do this with a fork or spoon but it just doesn't work as well, and you're taking the fun out of it! This would be great for letting the kids help out!

Thanks Cain for helping me out by taking over as photographer. LOVE YOU!

Roll 'em up!

 You could now add shredded cheese to the tops and then bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 or until cheese is melted and you can't wait any longer! I freeze these for Cain so all he has to do is set it out that morning and bake them when he is ready!

Next up was lunch time, I made some Jalapeño burgers for us to eat!

I used:

 1Lb organic beef

3-4 T of jalapeno's

1/2 onion 

That made enough for us to both have two, and I froze two more for Cain.

That red saucy mess in the crock pot was the Taco soup cooking! And oh my, it was good! And so darn easy! I'd like to say I'm a great cook but honestly I do the easy part. Throwing everything in! The crock put is the true chef.

Avocado's are my favorite! I mash these up and put on a rice cake and... oh my. So good! That was just a side note! Haha.

Cain's little helper. This way he doesn't have to think "What's there to eat?"

 In between the cooking I wanted to add some more things to our lovely white walls. You might be thinking "Are you going to paint those very white walls?" That would require money. And we rather eat. Sooooooo.... white walls are staying for now! But we can add a whole lot of color with pictures! And of course the American Flag. Every house we will be in will be a hanging flag! It's so beautiful to me. It's perfect...

Along with his backside ;) WHAT?! You can't tell me you've never stopped to take a picture of your man's backside before?!

This shelf came from my parents. I was so happy! It's one of my favorites. We hung it high to make the walls look taller. I think it worked too! I'm not sure yet what I want to put on it... but, I've got time.

That was our weekend! A very exciting one! Next weekend is Super Bowl, can not wait!

Lanette

Best friends for life

It's been very boring here the last couple of days without Cain around. I think he would say the same about being in the apartment alone lol at least I have my parents to entertain me a little! Tuesday night my dad got my plant ready to take over to the apartment. He has been working on these plants for some time now and it meant a lot to me that he would give me part of it.

January 21st

Wednesday we had a chance to see each other because Cain forgot some things he needed for school so Graci and I made the trip there while he was still in class.

We stopped by a little store I had saw the last time I was in Waynedale. It is called "A little bit of everything" And well the name suits the place. There was a little bit of everything and I was able to find some kitchen things for a great price! Dirt cheap actually!

Here are some of the things...

The mason jar! Only $3 ! 

Going to hang the "Welcome" sign one on the wreath Toni bought me awhile back!

While I cleaned the apartment a little (I say a little because honestly Cain had kept it pretty clean) I found Graci behind the couch with my American girl doll. I bought her over for one reason, so that Graci could have her to play with here at the apartment. 

  

My plant in the window!!! LOVE IT! Might paint the pot though, I'm not into to yellow!

I stole some forks and spoons from my mom! But she did give me this jar! So I'm not stealing everything from her! To Christine: Can we still have that silverware set??!

Luckily I've been busy working this week to keep me from breaking down and going to go see Cain everyday! We just really want to save our money when it comes to gas. Cain has his school to keep him busy also, but he does tell me he wishes I was there. But of course he does, I'm a load of fun ;)

I love my days with Graci (and nova) those two are the best of friends. Actually I didn't realize how much Nova meant to Graci until Wednesday night. You see, Nova spent the day with us while at the apartment. They played together all day (like normal) but this day lasted a little longer then normal. So before leaving the apartment Graci says "Nova should spend the night with me tonight!" Haha hoping she was joking I said "That would be interesting, you'll have to ask her dad though" Cain looks at me wondering if I really thought Nova should spend the night. Finally I said "We will have to ask your mom" Here I'm hoping she will forget about it by the time we get back to Jodi's.

Well she didn't. Once we pulled in the drive and I got her out she says "Come on Nova!" Haha "Ahhhh, let's keep her in the car... we still have to ask your mom" Now REALLY hoping Jodi can make something up that would keep Graci from wanting Nova to stay the night.

And that didn't work, haha she was persistent about Nova staying the night! Tears were flowing, a total breakdown! Jodi reminded her she was just a dog and once Graci was asleep Nova would be sad that her mom wasn't around. Still, Graci was heartbroken.

Those two are inseparable once together. It brings me back to the first day they met...

 May 2012

Graci got in her seat and Nova went over and sat on her lap, and started kissing her! Still a pup I wanted to make sure she wouldn't bite graci while kissing her! I told Gracie that she is the boss of Nova, you tell her "Stop" or "quit it" and smack her nose if she bites you!

From there, Gracie was the boss. She told Nova to sit, stay and seek! Their favorite game is hide and seek. Nova is quite good at it too ;) Miss Gracie has been so good with Nova and Nova to Gracie. Last week I had to leave in the morning for something and once I came back Nova ran outside to my car. She put her front paws on my back door and looked in through the window. Then run to the other side and did the same thing, looking in the back seat. She ran around my car a couple times, looked out in the back yard, ran to the summer kitchen (where the cat's stay) and looked there. We all watched knowing what she was doing. She was looking for her friend! She knows I leave in the mornings to get her, and this time I didn't bring her back. She came in looking at us like "Where is Graci!?"

Both so tiny here, brings back sweet memories. And look at that sun beating down! Missing Summer bad now! I love those two!

Today I am going to the grandparents! Wish Cain could come too. It reminds me of when he was at Basic this time last year. I would make trips over there alone. It's not a bad drive, just a lonely one without Cain.

Missing him lots! Thankfully he works tonight in Bluffton so I get to see him before he goes to Drill for the weekend!

Hope everyone is staying warm!

Lanette

Welcome to the Grogg's

I could not be any happier about how our weekend went! It was so fun! Friday was the first move in day! As you could see in the last post we were loving the whole "setting up" part. We still had lots to add though to the little apartment, I was so excited I didn't sleep Friday night lol Saturday morning came and we left my parents home early to deliver the second big load, which included our first couch! Thanks Jodi!! We were getting company that day so we made sure everything that could be set up, was set up!

While I went dress shopping with Cat and her fan club, Cain went with his dad to get his uniform fitted. Which I can't wait to see how it looks at Derrek and Cat's wedding! I love my man in uniform ;) Cat ended up finding her dress so after that I headed back to the apartment where Cain was with his Dad, Derrek and Isiah. Following me there was Toni, Christine, Ruthie and Alexis.

It was fun giving the small tour of the place! Hopefully by the next time they all see it again I will have been able to dress it up a little bit more and add some more art work! Aka pictures of us :p

Sunday we relaxed at my parents house until Cain had to go to work. While he was gone I packed up the last big load to go over to the apartment. This included some of his clothes, bathroom things, my TV, his PS3 and any household items my mom wasn't using! I also got together Cain's menu for the week! He won't go hungry that's for sure! He won't have to go get any "fast food" items. I will ALWAYS make sure he has fresh, healthy homemade meals there. Thanks to the Plan to Eat app I got from my Mom it makes it so much easier for me to plan things out! It makes up the grocery list for me! Side Note: Did that sound like a sells pitch? Did it work? Haha

Yet AGAIN I did not sleep Monday night. I was just SO EXCITED! I love the apartment and couldn't wait to go grocery shopping for MY kitchen for the first time! I was up at like 3:00am. We didn't need to leave until 8:00am. I'm a crazy person.


Monday was so amazing. Nova got to come with us this time. This was her first trip. I will slowly start bringing her more the closer I get to moving in come May. We want her to feel like she has two homes, one with Lorri (grandma) and us ... Her actual parents! We know she rather be with Lorri over us any day. This is no surprise to us or anyone who is around Nova with my mom.

We set up the TV and went shopping for food! Which was fun, but why is every Kroger set up different?! It took some time to find out where all the good stuff was!

Once we were back it was cooking time! Here is a list of food I prepared for Cain.

Breakfast:
Organic Bacon/Eggs
Homemade Cinnamon Nut Cereal > LINK

Lunch:
Vegetable Beef Soup
Cream Cheese Burritos using Ezekiel Tortilla and Organic cream cheese ( I will post recipe soon!)
P+J Sandwich using Ezekiel Bread and my homemade Peanut Butter > LINK

Dinner:
Grilled Chicken/Sweet Potato/Peas
Vegetable Beef Soup
Fruit Salad
Slopping Joe's (That my mom brought over)

Snacks:
Green Grapes
Peanut Butter
Strawberries
Carrots
Celery
Chips
Pecans

We will see how this goes and if he needs more/less of something then I can change it for the next week. And of course add new items! Might do a taco soup next week!

That reminds me. We have no bowls yet. It's funny the things I'm so used to having when in the kitchen that I didn't realize I would forget about when packing up things from my moms. Like a can opener. I go to open the can of tomatoes for the soup and stop and think "Oh crap" and say "Caaaaiiinnnn" hahaha laughing I go to him saying "I need help" He gladly got out his leatherman knife and started at the can. Rolling my eyes the whole time. It worked, for now. And knives, that's something else we need. We don't have kitchen knives we have plenty of leatherman knives that Cain carries with him. But slicing up Strawberries with a leatherman is a hideous site. Cain loved it. LOL

So while I was cooking Cain was doing some school work. He is the best! We were REALLY excited about Graci coming to the place so should could give it the "thumps up" Which she did! She liked all the closet space to play hide and go seek with Nova I think :)

Next my parents came over and brought us dinner! Healthy sloppy joes! Yay! I eat mine with a rice cake.... so good!

My dad and Cain hung a shelf and then we said our good nights to Cain, making sure he knew if he got lonely he would come back "Home" haha I'm happy that I have such amazing parents who are my best friends. It would be much harder leaving Cain and my little apartment if it weren't for the fact I am happy to still be at home with them. All in good time (Like once we are married) I will be more then happy to say the goodbyes to my parents and not Cain. And when that happens, I'll probably write about it and say how wonderful married life is :)

Until then, I'm going to get ready to go babysit! Hopefully I don't get stuck in the snow, I hear it's bad at there!!!

Lanette

Set of keys and a candle

Wow! What an exciting day! It was a early one like always when it comes to Cain being in school now. He had class at 9:00am in Fort-Wayne so we were up early to eat and pack some things into my Dad's van... what we were packing is the exciting part. Well part of the exciting part. The exciting part (Wow I just said exciting a few to many times) was .... We were moving in to our first APARTMENT!

So after his class we headed over to Waynedale to the Village apartments to sign the lease and get our first set of keys! He love our landlord Kasey. He is all around a good person. It's comforting to know if we need anything or had a question that we feel that he would help and care about those things. And he said I could paint if I wanted too, so I was happy.

So, in we went!

First set of keys in our hands. We loved the feeling of calling a place our little home. And when I say little, I mean it. And here's what I love, it's small enough that we will never be apart when in the apartment together lol

First thing was cleaning! Not that it wasn't clean when we got in but just to make sure everything was freshly clean before putting anything away!

 We love our "Grogg" sign. Thanks Scott and Ruthie for that!

 Not much, but we will add more items soon enough!

Before the table (Kitchen)

And After! Check out our piece of carpet that goes oh so well with the blue tile lol

Lit the first candle and the house! I grew up with my mom drilling fear into our minds that the candles we lit would burn down the house, so this lighting the candle thing is big for me! I'm always watching it afraid it's going to set the place on fire!!! Haha (Thanks mom!)

Our boots :)

 The odd things that we have to put into the place.

Our keys, and that deadly candle!

We are just so excited about this place. It's the ideal place for us. AND it's on Ideal ave. Hmmm. It's meant to be! Come visit us soon!

Oh and just in.... our day got TEN TIMES BETTER! Bobbi and Mike posted our engagement pictures!!! GO CHECK THEM OUT RIGHT NOW!!!

http://www.bobbiandmike.com/blog/


Lanette