Easter and homemade granola

Easter is an amazing holiday for many reasons, the obvious that it is the day to celebrate the resurrection of my Savior, Jesus Christ! This one day of the year gives purpose for the other 364 days! The other great part of this day and weekend is getting to see family. I was blessed to spend this Easter with my husband and his mom's side of the family. Alan surprised me by bringing Bruce which was great and we really had a fun time catching up with everyone. Here is a picture we took after church on Sunday.

Me, Alan, Andy, Becki and Bart

I also made this really fantastic homemade granola recently! It was really easy to make and turned out great. I can't take the credit though, my mom made it first and actually just got the recipe off the back of the "HEB" brand quick oatmeal box. I always appreciate a tried and true recipe so I wanted you to enjoy this delicious find too!

Crunchy-Nutty Granola

2 cups quick oats

3/4 cup flaked coconut

3/4 cup chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts (I think the pecans are excellent)

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup Canola Oil

- Heat oven to 300 degrees

- Combine the quick oats, coconut, nuts, honey and oil in a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat. Spread mixtures evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish or on a cookie sheet with parchment paper for an easier cleanup.

- Cook for 35 minutes or until the granola looks lightly brown. The darker the color the crunchier the texture.

- Spread the granola on a large sheet of foil. Let it cool and then break into smaller clumps. Store granola in a plastic bag or an air tight container.

I enjoyed the granola by itself as a snack and was really great with yogurt and fruit in the morning. Enjoy!

function vs. style... why not both?

A while back I was frustrated because all of my necklaces were all either piled in a little bowl that had some of my jewelry in it or they were out on the counter, looking very messy. It wasn't organized and it caused my necklaces to get tangled which is never good. You're just asking for a chain to break. Anyways, I decided I needed something that was functional, but I didn't really want a jewelry box or anything else on our already filled up counter. Between a conversation with a coworker and an idea I saw online the idea was sparked and I was on a mission. I wanted to find a "big" picture frame that I could paint white, take out the glass and backing then use it to "frame" my necklaces. The plan was to put tacks in the wall and hang the necklaces on the wall with the frame around it for decoration. Well, I started by stopping by a Goodwill on the way home and what do ya know, I found something even better. I found a frame that had a burlap backing with no glass!!! And it was only $2.99, now that's what I call a deal. The frame was a country blue but I had some white spray paint at home that I knew would take care of that. I taped off the inside, sprayed two coats of white spray paint, let it dry for about 30 minutes and viola.

I placed the tacks where I wanted to hang the necklaces that I wanted displayed and I was a little suprised at how well they all looked together. Not only was this going to be way more functional it was stylish too... cheesy, I know. My most favorite part of this project was the fact that I now get to display some very sentimental pieces of jewelry in a way that I can enjoy them every day even when I'm not wearing them. Here's a little breakdown of the necklaces from left to right. The first necklace is a silver necklace with a round charm that says "mother, daughter, friend" my mom gave it to me this past Christmas and I absolutely love it. It is so special to me because my mom is one of my best friends and obviously, I love her so much. Thank you, mom! The next necklace was the first gift that Alan gave to me when we were dating. It was for my 23rd birthday and the dove represented purity which was symbolic of our relationship and the purity that we have in Christ... on a side note when he bought this gift he was also looking at engagement rings!!!!! The turquoise necklace next to his holds a very special place in my heart because it belonged to Gayle Clark, Alan's grandmother who passed away this past September. She is the first member of the Bean family that I met and was a little intimidating looking back on it because I know how much Alan cherished his grandmother and her opinion so if she hadn't liked me I for sure wouldn't be Mrs. Bean today. She is very missed but we are all envious because she is in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Becki gave me her necklace and I was so touched by that gift, it will be a forever reminder of sweet Gayle. Wow, this is a little more emotional than I thought. Ok, the next one is fun. This awesomely cool key necklace was a gift from my sweet friend Erin as a thank you for helping her plan her wedding. I love things that are different. Erin has very good taste (obviously) and I absolutely love this necklace, it added a lot of personality to my collection too! The next necklace was a gift from my sweet friend and coworker, Natzyeli. She gave this necklace to me on my 22nd birthday and it is very special not only because it's from her but because she made it, can you say talented?!?! Ok, 2 more. The next necklace was a graduation gift from my momma. The diamond is from her engagement ring from my dad. She had it reset into a necklace and to be honest, the setting for the necklace really brings out the beauty of the diamond and this necklace is oh so special because of the history it represents in my life. My mom is a very strong and courageous woman who has gone through a lot for me and my brothers and sister, and when I graduated from the University of Texas it was one of those journey's that I never doubted I could get through, but the obstacles that we overcame getting to that point were indescribable and completely by the grace of God. And last, but not at all least, is a beautiful necklace from my Aunt Susan. The charm on this necklace is from a charm bracelet that belonged to my great grandmother. My grandfather was in the oil business and they traveled the world. Well each place they would visit my great grandmother would buy a charm to remind her of that place, and this charm is from Japan. It is a Torii, which is a Japanese gate that is usually in front of a shrine. We don't know why they were in Japan but it's pretty cool nonetheless. My aunt has given each of us girls in our family a charm from this bracelet for our 16th birthday's and this one was mine. I've never gotten so many complements from a necklace but every time I wear it someone says something about it and it makes me thing about my family and where I come from. So there you have it, that's the long version. Below the necklaces are some of my earrings, don't worry none of them have stories behind them. I hope you enjoyed that little DIY project and the "short" history of what's been around my neck lately.

The Living Room - updated

I get it, I promised I would give you updates and I haven't. I'm a slacker. I realize that I'm more into reading blogs than updating my own blog. It's a problem. I get that. There is a bigger problem too, I'm going to start a blog for my business so I have a feeling this one will suffer even more. Who knows, maybe I'll get more efficient at blogging and I'll get better at this one rather than getting worse. Ha. Anyways, so last time I mentioned my obsession with home blogs and have had some decorating inspiration as of late. Well here are a few pictures. I did just a few small things and it really can make a big difference. We live in an apartment so until we have a house my decorating can only go so far.

The mantle before

after:

Picture frames: wedding gifts from Pottery Barn, Dried rose: Alan gave it to me the night he proposed, Painting: I painted it when I studied abroad in Italy, Vases: tall one from Goodwill $1.99 and smaller amber one from Ross $3.99, "B": a wedding gift and was gold, I spray painted it white.

Total cost: $6

really poor before picture of the top of the bookshelf before:

after:

Large vase: Hobby Lobby $15, White candle holder: Goodwill $2.99, Books: took the covers off of books we already had, white elephant: ironically a "white elephant" gift exchange present, free

Total cost: $18

no before picture, but here is the after

Green Pillow: Target, White pillows: Pottery Barn $12.99 (cover) had the inserts other white pillow from Ikea $8.99 (cover) $6.99 (insert), Yellow pillow: Ikea $10, Blue pattern pillow: Target $19.99, white book box: Z-gallerie $15.95, green flower tealight holder: $9.95

Total cost: $85

The book box is a great holder for the remote and coaster. They no longer have to sit out on the coffee table.

The comfy reading chair corner before:

after:

White picture frame: Goodwill $1.99 (painted it white), square mirror: Salvation Army $.99, wood frame with bridal picture: had it, brown throw: gift from Pottery Barn, White pillow: Pottery Barn, Yellow Pillow: Ikea $10, white picture frame of Bruce: Target, ottoman: Target, side table: Urban Outfitters (temporary and looking for a replacement), lamp: Ikea

Total Cost: $13

Grand total: $122

So, that's what I've been up to lately. I put costs above for the items that I've bought since I've been updating our living room. All other items not priced we already had. I hope you enjoyed this living room update. Be looking for a little jewelry holder DIY project soon.

Ready? Set? Go...

Are you ready for this?!?!?! We're going to go way back in time and play a little catch up on our lives. The last time I remember being told I need to update our blog was back in October 2009... yes, I just said October, when two of my beautiful friends got married. Jenna and Mark tied the knot on October 3rd and Rachel and Cody sealed the deal on October 9th! Here's the short version of the past few months

Cody and Rachel Linn

Cleveland, OH

Mark and Jenna Crail

Buda, TX

I helped Jenna with the planning and execution of their big day and had a great time working with her and helping out when I could! The wedding was beautiful even with the rain! Yes, it rained but it didn't stop us from having a great time! The next weekend I flew to Cleveland for Cody and Rachel's big day and also had a blast! Both weddings were incredibly beautiful and so much fun!

November... I ran and completed the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon! Yes, I ran all 26.2 miles!!!! Now that it's over I can say it was an amazing experience and who knows, I might do it all over again one day :) For now I'm gonna stick to 10K's... We almost bought a house, then didn't (praise the Lord). Alan and I turned 25!!! I know it's not old, but it sounds old. I feel wiser... ok, maybe not but it's different to say you're 25. We're half way through our 20's. I'm not sure what I thought I would be doing at this point in my life but I know that God has me right where he wants me and I'm grateful for that. Ok, moving on. We went to Dallas for Thanksgiving with my family and had a blast. Got to see my Aunt Susan and Uncle John's new ranch north of Dallas, Bruce got chased by their longhorns and by their donkey's. It was an adventure for him to say the least.

yes, my brother is bald... on purpose.

December... the usual, Christmas parties, traveling. Bruce turned 1 on the 19th, he's a big boy now! Since we had thanksgiving with my family we went to Amarillo for Christmas. On the way we drove into a huge winter storm and had to stop at a roadside motel in Tulia, TX at 3am because it would have taken us a few more hours to get to Amarillo at the speed we were going and it was only 50 miles away. We had a wonderful Christmas with the Bean family :) Bruce loved the snow.

Alan and Andy got matching shirts just like their dad's for Christmas

January... we went to Odessa the weekend after Christmas for Brooke and David's wedding. Alan was a groomsman so that was a lot of fun for him. David is one of Alan's best friends from middle school, they go way back to the Canadian days (that's the town in Texas not Canada the country). While at their wedding Alan got to catch up with old friends and did a little networking and landed himself a job. Get ready for it... in the panhandle!!!!!!!!!! So back to before we were married I always knew he wanted to move back to the panhandle. This was no surprise, I guess in the back of my mind I just thought it would be like 5 or 10 years down the road, not a year and a half. So, there you go my friends, words out... we're moving to Canadian! I'm not gonna lie, I struggled with it for a little while. I love Austin, my family is here, I love my job BUT we were very certain this is where God wanted us so I'm excited! We've met lots of awesome people in that little town already and we're excited to start the next chapter of our lives there. Alan has actually already moved up there and started his job with a commercial construction company based out of Elk City, OK. I'm still in Austin as I look for a job in Canadian but I'm hoping to start my own event planning company so I'll keep you posted on how that goes. For now I'm a single mom to Bruce and Skype is my new best friend :) Other January happenings, there were several birthdays, Bart, Susan, Gram, Mom and baby Riley entered the world. So fun!

February... Happy Valentine's day! Alan moved this month, he left on the 5th for the Panhandle and that was a sad day. Fortunately I was busy with the Verge conference for our church so it kept me busy and no time for being sad. I also had lots of support from friends and family which was super helpful! Bart and Becki flew me up to see Alan for Valentine's weekend and that was a blast. We went to a reception in Canadian at The Citadelle and met lots of people and overall just had a great time!

my new friends, Lanie, Becky and Cassi :)

Now that I've gotten you all caught up I can now get to the fun stuff! My latest obsession is reading home blog's like this one http://www.younghouselove.com/ and this one http://allbowerpower.wordpress.com/page1/ so I've been doing a few projects myself. Look for some of those updates soon. Well bloggie friends, it's been great visiting. I must get back to the daily grind.

I'm a slacker...

I know, it's been so long since I've posted that we no longer have any readers and might as well not have a blog. But we have so much going on that an update post is in order. And, surprise surprise this isn't it. I just wanted to let you know that you (whoever you might be) can look for a post update soon. Some things I'll be updating - I'm way into home decorating so I'll show some of my latest finds and newest decorating fun around the house, we've got some big changes coming up (no I'm not pregnant) and perhaps a recipe or two will show up. Sorry, but that's all for now. See ya soon!

~ Marie

His Presence Known

For those who don't know or haven't heard my Grandmother passed away September 10th, 2009. She battled cancer for two years before our Lord called her home. This blog post isn't about her death, it isn't about her life, it isn't even about the impact she had on my life or the love we shared but it is about God's presence. This story is about his love, his grace, and his comfort even in the toughest of times. I think sometimes we forget how real and present God is in our lives. May this story be a testament to His love.

As I mentioned my Grandmother had been fighting cancer for a few years and as August came to a close it seemed things were beginning to go downhill quickly. My wife Marie had purchased the new Chris Tomlin CD in early September and as I work out of my truck a lot I asked if I could borrow it to give me something to listen to. Track number 5 "I Will Rise" really had an impact on me as I was struggling with my Grandmother's life coming to an end. The song brought tears streaming down my face as I pictured the words coming to life and my Grandmother acting those words out. I had my wife listen to it and she agreed it was a perfect song for this situation. Fast forward a week and my Grandmother passes away. We drove up to Amarillo to spend the night with my parents before going over to Miami where I was born and raised, living a mile down the road from her, and stayed a few nights there with our whole family & extended family before the funeral.

While in Amarillo that first night however I played the Chris Tomlin song to my parents and told them what it meant to me while fighting off tears. I said I'd like to have it played at the funeral but figured that all of that was already figured out and it was a little late to add the song. Two days later while sitting in the pew attending my Grandmother's funeral one of the members of the church came up and sang "I Will Rise" in the middle of the service. Wow, what a memorable and touching moment while that song was being sung. After the service my Mom asked me what I thought of the song, she was like, "that's the one you played the other night isn't it?" Well come to find out my parents didn't request the song. I wasn't able to talk to the lady who sang but the pastor told me she had been praying about what to sing earlier that week and he didn't have a clue which one she felt led to sing until she was up there.

What a peace to know such a loving and gracious Savior. God's presence could not have been felt any more than her singing that song September 14, 2009.

"I WILL RISE" by Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, It is well

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise
When He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light
and the shadows disappear
and my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb!

And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb!

I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise....
I will rise....

Spinach Black Bean Lasagna

I made this recipe last night and it was fabulous! Alan said it was one of the best lasagna's he's ever had, and I must say I agree with him. I served it with a delicious whole grain bread and it was a hearty but not heavy meal.

Spinach Black Bean Lasagna:

2 Large eggs, lightly beaten

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, divided

2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (2 lb., 13 ounce) jar pasta sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

9 precooked lasagna noodles

Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

• 
  

Preparation

Stir together first 5 ingredients and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; set aside.

Mash beans with a potato masher or fork in a large bowl; stir in pasta sauce and cumin. Spread one-third of bean mixture on bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Layer with 3 noodles, half of spinach mixture, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; repeat layers. Spread with one-third bean mixture; top with remaining 3 noodles and remaining bean mixture.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 1 hour; uncover and top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts. Garnish, if desired.

Enjoy!!!