{life in numbers}

We have been married for 8 months! 

Time flies! This has been the best eight months of our lives. Lots of fun, lots of laughter, lots of "firsts", lots of love. We are incredibly blessed. The best is yet to come!

We graduate in 3 months!

Say whhhhhat? Seriously, this is sneaking up on us quicker than we ever imagined. We both have SO much to do before then but to know it will all be over soon is a great feeling. Makes all the hard work totally worth it. 

We have to move in 6 months!

Yikes! This probably scares us the most but we are totally trusting the Lord to guide us where we belong. With that said, we are clueless what the future holds but excited to see what happens.

In 9 months our family will grow; we plan on getting a pup! 

Did I scare anyone? Sorry for the cruel joke (couldn't resist) but the pup thing is a true story. We are on a waiting list for a goldendoodle and we really hope it all works out. We want a dog SO bad but know that many factors go into it. Much of it depends where we are after that move in six months but our hearts are already attached!   

:) Have a great week!

{Celebrating Life}

We just got back from a fun-filled weekend with Todd's family. His stepfather, Mike, turned the big 60 this past week so we all gathered in Charlotte to celebrate. We kicked things off by a competitive game of bowling. Sorry for the lame iPhone quality photos, my real camera's battery was dead.

Todd and I lost pretty bad but it sure was fun just hanging out with the fam. Our niece, Penelope, was a cutie pie as always and kept us entertained during the weekend.

We all went to dinner at Red Rocks on Saturday evening. Good times.

Happy 60th Mike! We love you!

Later that night we all played Catchphrase, Ladies vs. Men but we gals always lost. Bummer.

 The next time we are all together will be for Vance (Todd's bro) and Katie's wedding. I feel so blessed that not only did I marry such an amazing man but I gained such an amazing family as well. I've always been really close to my family so gaining another set that I feel equally comfortable with is a wonderful thing. Does this mean I'm double blessed? ;)

Hope you had a great weekend! 

-Sara   

{Life in Photos}

Just a little recap with lots of photos of what we have been up to the past two weeks....

We have had some snow...nothing too crazy yet. I'm ready for the BIG one. The one where driving is impossible and we have to walk everywhere.

We actually got to go on a bike ride on one of those crazy warm January days. Living near a greenway is the best! So hard to believe we were riding bikes just days before the snow photo above was taken.

We went bowling on MLK day. This weekend is Todd's stepfather's 60th Bday bash and we are all going bowling as family. SO we had to practice. Good thing we did because we stunk!

This is the view of a beautiful sunset taken on our balcony. After a long day, this is just what I needed to see to quiet my soul.

We finished studying Genesis!! Now on to Exodus...

I've never roasted veggies before but we have done it twice just this week! They are soooooo yummy and crisp.

I can't come close to ending this post without chat about the Miss America Pageant. I watched it alone but had one of my besties close by via text the entire time. Also my sweet sister and I "heytelled" the entire time. I love adding my own commentary to anyone who will listen (I'm a tough judge). Thanks Magan and Ronna!

Back in Charlotte, Todd and I often attend Elevation Church. For twelve days they are doing a revival and thanks to technology we have been able to watch each night. Our local church got cancelled this past Sunday due to snow but thankfully we were able to get fed by watching Elevation live. In our PJ's. Can't lie, that was reaaaaaaal nice. 

And just for random fun, these are my new favorite crackers. I found them at Food Lion but they are nutritious and actually really good! I like to take them for lunch and make my own lunchable. 

:) 

This post was all over the place but it really is a true reflection of our life as of lately. We have started school and I'm already stressed. I'm trying reallllllllly hard to take it one day a time. Otherwise, I will drown in my tears looking at what all has to be finished before May.

Who else is ready for the weekend?!? 

xo,

Sara

{Word of the Year}

So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat? or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:31-33

Today I'm linking up with Layla at The Lettered Cottage for the Word of the Year party. Check out her blog for more details but basically you choose a word that you can focus on, mediate on and reflect on this year.

My word for 2012 is...

source

I think we often forget the seek part of that verse above. Most importantly we I forget the word first as well. Todd and I are reading through the Bible in one year. It's so great to have an accountable partner in the journey. This year I want to be more intentional in my relationship with Christ and others. The past few days I've had a mentality cleansing of several areas of my life. The TV hasn't been on as much and the internet hasn't been a go-to during boredom. I'm thankful for seasons like this where God lights a fire in your heart again in order to look at the bigger picture of life rather than the day-to-day self-consuming routine that usually occurs. I chose this word as my theme for 2012 because I seriously want to crave God first before anything else in this world. Also the first book I chose to read this year was Made to Crave and it has already laid a great foundation about what it is like to be satisfied through Christ alone. 

Now it is your turn, join with me and choose a word for twenty twelve. I'd love to hear your word and what it means to you in this year. 

Happy MLK day!

-Sara

{Made to Crave}

Can you believe we still haven't started our semester? Usually we are already back in the groove of things by this time of year but for some reason we don't start until January 17th. This will bring my total break of time off of school/work at almost 6 weeks! No complaints here except maybe no working means no steady paycheck so that stinks. However, I have enjoyed using this time to balance some important aspects of life (quiet times, healthy eating, working out) before life is gets super busy with grad school. Also, I have enjoyed watching The Today Show every morning with my breakfast and staying in my PJ's until at least noon. Sadly that must end on Tuesday when I go back to work on campus but in the meantime I'm livin' it up.

My Fitness Pal goals are going great!! I've stuck to the plan now for 8 days. I've managed to go to Chilis, Chick-fil-a and have guests over which included dessert without busting my daily calorie intake. Did I have to make big sacrifices? Yes of course, but my everyday lifestyle is still pretty normal which is so important to me. What isn't normal is my mentality on food. I no longer live to eat, I eat to live. I've been reading the book, Made to Crave, and it has really helped me process these thoughts from a biblical point of view. I was made for more. 

I also watched a live webcast by this author that featured a nutritionist that suggest taking fish oil. Anyone else take fish oil? I'm nervous I'll have fish burps. Anyway, I'm training my brain slowly but surely to put good things in my body, eat in moderation and just say no. Right now I'm tracking my calories and exercising with My Fitness Pal. I can really see and feel a difference! We can even be buds via the app so look me up, my username is: saradavis528.

Have a great day!

-Sara 

{We Need You}

Howdy folks! We need your help!!! Our wedding film has been selected as on of the "Top in 2011"! The first place winner of the contest gets $500 to IKEA (yes please) or Pottery Barn. We ask that you follow this link and VOTE!!! Lifestage is also giving away $25 in iTunes to 4 people that vote.

Thanks for your support! Contest ends January 21st! As newlyweds, we would love to have some extra cash to spend to help make our house a comfy home. If you vote, please let me know so I can personally thank you!

Here is the link again:

http://www.facebook.com/lifestagefilms?sk=app_208195102528120

{White Chicken Chili}

It's raining around here and I just can't seem to get warm! Last year around this time (you know, one of those cold rainy/snowy days) I posted my favorite White Chicken Chili recipe on my old blog that has a different URL. This recipe is on the menu at our house for tonight and I figured I might as well post it to this blog for anyone to enjoy! You can certainly alter your ingredients easily to suit your taste buds.

What you will need:

-Chicken

-Onion

-Green Pepper

-Mushrooms

-Cilantro

-White Chicken Chili Seasoning packet (*pretty crucial*)

-Salt/Pepper/Seasoning of your choice

-2 Cans of White Beans of your choice

-Chicken Broth or water

Directions

1. In a large pot put your beans, chopped cilantro on med high

2. Cook your chicken in a pan. You can cook then shred or cut into pieces, then cook. Place in larger soup pot.

3. Saute your veggies of your choice, add some seasoning such as Old Bay, salt, pepper. Add to soup.

4. Add White Chicken Chili seasoning packet.

5. I added 2 cups of chicken broth because I like it to be more soupy. You can do water if that is all you have. This allows you choose your desired thickness but the more water or broth the less flavor so don't overkill.

6. Simmer on Low for an hour or heat on high for about 15 minutes and EAT!

Enjoy with mozzarella and sour cream! Serves about 4-6 depending on how much chicken and ingredients you add! Let me know if you try, how it goes and if you have any ideas for ingredients! I'll try to add a pic later after I make it :) 

-Sara

{Light Mexi Lunch}

One of my favorite items from Taco Bell (which by the way I quit eating months ago after the meat grossed me out) is the Mexi Melt. Today while gearing up to eat my usual boring turkey, carrots, slice cheese and pickle, I had a craving. I wanted something warm and with a little kick. Yes please, I'll take a Mexi Melt from...

{Sara's Kitchen}
;)

I now present to you a low cal homemade Mexi Melt recipe. This is really a no brainer. Super easy. Sometimes I just forget that it IS possible to make good lunches at home.

Mexi Melt

*only use as much meat as needed depending on how many servings you need*

 Lean (95%) hamburger meat or Turkey (Better choice)

Tablespoon of Taco Seasoning

Fiesta Cheese

Cilantro

Yellow Onion

Tomato

Burrito (or be crazy and go without)

This is pretty self explanatory but basically brown the meat, add the seasoning, place on burrito, add cheese & let it melt, top with cilantro, onions, tomatoes-all chopped of course. Wrap that bad boy up and bam you have a Mexi-Melt without that sandpaper meat they use from Taco Bell. 

I've recently discovered how to add my own recipes into My Fitness Pal (app). This recipe's Total Calories per serving (1 burrito) is....240!

Now, don't know about you but I can't eat anything Mexican without Chips & Salsa! I recently made the Chili's Copycat Salsa I found on Pinterest and it is a keeper. I also plugged it into My Fitness Pal (aka best friend) and it's only 15 calories per serving. Now how many servings you eat (tablespoons) is up to you! Don't blame me when you get addicted.

Get the recipe by clicking here!

Happy Friday,

Sara

{Health 101}

Well just like the majority of America, one of my goals this year is to eat more healthier. I really want to feel good about myself (you are what you eat) and remain a consistent healthy weight. I have a few pounds currently that I wouldn't mind saying "Hasta Luego" to.

I wasn't exactly sure where to start but after coming back from break and realizing we had lost power while we were gone, I took that as a clear indication it was time to clear out the fridge and start completely fresh. We stocked up on some healthier food, especially fruits and veggies so we will snack on those and totally avoided the chips/cookie aisle. Someone (hmmm, wonder who?) managed to sneak Oatmeal Creme Pies in the cart that I found when checking out. Not cool and I refuse to look at them!

On Tuesday, I got a free app called My Fitness Pal which also has a website you can find by clicking here. So no excuses if you want to give it a shot. Basically, the site allows you to put in your weight, goal weight, etc and helps you count your calories each day. Wow, I never realized how many calories I have potentially been eating a day! The site lets you scan barcodes for accuracy or search for the product. My cousin Jenny is super fit, super cool and a super vegan. Even she uses it so I'm sold.

Keeping a diary is great at making you self aware of what you are putting in your body and making sure you are drinking enough water (something I'm so terribly bad at!). I'm so thankful I kicked soda to the curb years ago or else I would be wasting away calories that I could use on better stuff!

On Wednesday, thanks to pinterest, I found this website that has a great little blog about educating yourself on what to eat. I'm sure there are plenty of more great sites so if you know of any please comment! I'm working on boosting my metabolism by eating 3 main meals and 2 mini snacks throughout the day.

I'm currently on Day 3 of my "plan" and I'm pleased to say so far so good. Ha, I know it's only been 3 days but I've kind of surprised myself that I've stuck to it. I've used the Kinect Fitness game to sub as my workouts (which are actually really tough!) until our school gym reopens for the semester. It's important to make small changes anyway so I'm working on getting this eating thing right first.

My friend Ashley S is on the mypal train (new lingo?) as well and she posted a great recipe today on her blog. She inspired me to do the same so I'm going to share my favorite salad dressing that I make. The recipe is actually a combo between a recipe my friend Mason gave me and something I found online.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

1/3 C of Balsamic Vinegar

1/2 C of Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons of Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon of Honey

Pinch of Garlic Salt

Pinch of Pepper

Whisk and place in Bottle!

We keep some always stocked in our fridge around here. Double the recipe if you need more but honestly just a tad of this in your bowl does the trick. Try it! You won't be disappointed. I'm not positive how many calories it is but by just putting a tablespoon in your salad certainly can't be terrible. My favorite is to add a little bit of feta, tomatoes and pine nuts. Yummmm!

Happy Eating! If you have any recipes or healthier ideas, do share!

-Sara

{2011 Highlights}

Seriously where did 2011 go?! The older you get the faster the years seem to pass. Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating with friends for what we hoped would be a great year....

and I can confidently say it was!

My second semester in graduate school went by extremely fast as I was eagerly anticipating our wedding. At the end of May, I married an amazing man. We had a beautiful wedding that was everything I had ever dreamed of. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the love story he has written for me. I am so incredibly blessed to share my life with Todd.

Our honeymoon cruise was unforgettable. I'm pretty sure we will be talking about it the rest of our lives.

The summer was full of making new friends and celebrating as some of my best friends also married.

We each began our last year of school (finally!) and discovered that being married while in school actually makes us better students.

Labor Day weekend, my former college roommates and husbands/boyfriends rented a cabin in the mountains and we spent quality time together in which we hope to make an annual tradition. I really wish we all lived closer. I love these girls.

The Greenway Girls

Our family grew as well. My lovely sister, Jamie got engaged to Chris and Todd's brother proposed to Katie.  My other sister, Ronna gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Annlyn. Exactly ten days later, Todd's brother and wife, gave birth to a sweet girl named Adeline. During Thanksgiving, we were given the news that his sister and her husband are expecting a child in July! I should probably start 2012 Christmas shopping now.

The Lord has blessed us in more ways than I could ever imagine. I'm extremely grateful for the health and safety for our loved ones. His provision over our life and marriage brings tears of joy to my eyes. 2011 will always be a year that we will look back on and smile upon. It has been so good to us. Years like this renew the heart and expand my faith. I know that not all years will be this good but no matter what happens I hope we can always look back and see God's hand in this journey.

We welcome 2012 with open arms. It could indeed be a challenging year since change is upon us. We look forward to graduating and seeing where the Lord takes us next. We are praying for a clear direction but until then we will take one day at a time.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

             -Psalm 145:7

-Sara

{Happy New Year!}

Since we didn't get to see Matt (Todd's brother), Melissa (his wife) and their two kids during Christmas we decided to go visit them near Wilmington. We always have a blast when we all get together. Our niece, Penelope, is now three and I'm convinced that three years old is the cutest age for any child. She was really funny and entertaining all weekend.

Best buds

On New Years Eve, the four of us headed to Carolina Beach for dinner and festivities. Carolina Beach had a DJ and a lighted beach ball that dropped at midnight. Fun times. This New Years night definitely made my top five of all time!

These two are pretty humorous when they get together. Bet you can't tell they are brothers?!?   

Adeline, our newest niece, was so precious. So glad we finally got to meet her. We look forward to watching her grow up! 

Speaking of family, we found out a few weeks ago that Todd's sister, Laura is pregnant! I'm really curious to know if we will finally gain a nephew! Either way we will all be blessed. I'm SO excited for her and her husband!! This has been a busy few months for Aunt Sara and Uncle Todd but we are loving it! I just love being surrounded by all these babies! But no fear, no plans in the works for us yet. Clearly we have plenty of little ones to spoil during this season. 

Hope you and yours had a great New Years too!

Cheers,

Sara