Things have been pretty much the same these days, except my husband is working 20 hours of overtime a week! My poor man is so tired when he comes home, but he really enjoys what he's doing. I, of course, miss him like crazy, but I must say I enjoy the large influx in our bank account! The Lord has really provided for our needs. The additional income has allowed us to catch things up after almost 6 months of unemployment. It will also (Lord willing) allow us to get a second car in a couple weeks. We have been looking around for the right vehicle to fit our needs. We would like an SUV with 4-wheel drive. Since Andy has a little sports car, we would like to at least have one vehicle with 4-wheel drive for the rough winter weather here in St. Louis. There is a dealership that has a Chevy Trailblazer that we really like. We're also hoping to maybe find a Dodge Durango. We know the right vehicle is out there and will find it soon!
I'm also currently CRAZY about coupons! I've been clipping coupons out of the Sunday paper for quite some time now, but only within the last couple months have I been scouring the internet for them. Mainly because our printer was broken and we just replaced it about a month ago. Since then, I've been on coupon web sites a couple times a week. It has really paid off! I used to wonder how some women would save $100 off their monthly grocery bill, but now know and I have too! I always have a stack of them when I check out. I know it ticks off the people behind me (because it ticks me off when I get behind people with lots of coupons! :), but I feel a sense of accomplishment when the total goes down $20!
I also love thrift store shopping. Lately I've been finding lots of things for my kitchen. New dishes and decore! Also, lots of clothes for Andy and myself. We usually go to the thrift stores in the rich areas because over there, people wear name brands and they only wear them one season! So we find almost new, name brand clothes! Andy has found a few nice suits! All we had to do was take them to the dry cleaners! I love my thrift stores! I hate when people look down on them and the people who shop there. I find great stuff and when you look me, you would never know that I bought my clothes at a thrift store!
I also started school a couple weeks ago. The class is interesting but I HATE taking it online. I definitely don't want to take anymore online. Next semester I plan on taking only in-classroom classes.
Things have been really good here! The Lord has really blessed us. Even when thing are bad, He is always there with us, strengthening us, and taking care of us!
Monday, September 27, 2010
I LOVE fall!!!
It is now officially my favorite time of year! I love all the tastes and smells of fall. Spiced candles and hearty soups are some of my favorite things! Today we woke up to temperatures in the 40's. It made me crave one of my favorite soups. Pumpkin soup! I got a taste for it when I was in Australia. Over there, pumpkin is not a sweet thing, it's savory. Since I don't care for sweet pumpkin things (other than pumpkin spiced lattes!!!), I tried the soup and LOVED it! It's SO easy, healthy, and very low in calories! Here's my recipe!
4 cups of chicken stock
1 1/2 cups of carrots (cut)
1/12 cups of onions (cut)
2 cups of water
1 15oz can of pure pumpkin puree
Put the stock and water into a pot with the carrots and onions. Boil until vegetables are tender. Take off heat and add pumpkin puree.
Allow the soup to cool before putting it into a blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour soup back in the pot and put back on medium heat.
From there you can season to your taste.
Here's what I like in my soup:
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder ( i have used fresh garlic before and it always seems to over power the soup)
Dried oregano
Cumin
I don't measure my spices. I just keep tasting the soup and adding the spices until it tastes right to me.
This recipe serves 6 and is only around 60 calories per serving. This soup is great with a salad for lunch or as a starter for dinner.
This weather also makes me crave a nice roasted chicken. So tonight, I'm going to make a lemon herb roast chicken for dinner!
I love this time of year!
4 cups of chicken stock
1 1/2 cups of carrots (cut)
1/12 cups of onions (cut)
2 cups of water
1 15oz can of pure pumpkin puree
Put the stock and water into a pot with the carrots and onions. Boil until vegetables are tender. Take off heat and add pumpkin puree.
Allow the soup to cool before putting it into a blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour soup back in the pot and put back on medium heat.
From there you can season to your taste.
Here's what I like in my soup:
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder ( i have used fresh garlic before and it always seems to over power the soup)
Dried oregano
Cumin
I don't measure my spices. I just keep tasting the soup and adding the spices until it tastes right to me.
This recipe serves 6 and is only around 60 calories per serving. This soup is great with a salad for lunch or as a starter for dinner.
This weather also makes me crave a nice roasted chicken. So tonight, I'm going to make a lemon herb roast chicken for dinner!
I love this time of year!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Life lately
I am really bad at this blogging thing. Honestly, when things happen, the last thing I am thinking about is blogging about it. That it, until about 20 things have happened and I sit down and write a long post to bring everyone up to date on our lives.
Three weeks ago, Andy went with all the kids from our church to Oklahoma for camp. I would have loved to go with him, but someone had to stay home with the kids (aka the dogs and cat!). It was really weird being alone for 5 whole days. It was a blast from my single past and I have to say I hated it!!! I don't miss it at all. I love being married and having Andy here with me. But he had a great time at camp and I was glad he was able to go.
While he was gone I decided to learn something new. For the past 10 months we have only had one car. Andy's manual transmission Mitsubishi Eclipse. Now I have tried several times in my life to learn how to drive a stick shift and failed every time. Needless to say with that being our only vehicle it has been a bit inconvenient, but my reason for not wanting to learn to drive Andy's car is that since it is our only one right now, I was afraid something would happen to it and we would left with nothing. But I decided I wanted to surprise him and learn to drive it while he was gone. I called my friend Melissa and she came over and taught me how to drive it. I was so proud of myself and I am happy to report that absolutely nothing is wrong with the car (well...at least nothing that I caused. more on that later)! I surprised Andy by picking him up at the church in his car. He was so shocked!!! I'm still not very good at it. I need to learn how to be smoother in my shifting but I can definitely drive it now!
After he got home from camp, we had one week together before he started his new job! We enjoyed just hanging out and spending time together. Then, the day before he was supposed to start, his car over heated! We ended up sitting on the side if I-44 until it cooled down enough to at least attempt to drive it home. Well needless to say he couldn't drive it to work the next day so he worked out transportation with his dad and thankfully made it. He then spent the whole weekend trying to fix it. Thankfully, it seemed to be a fairly simple problem and is running fine now.
He's now been working all this week and is so happy to have a job again. And, it's a job that he enjoys, but makes me extremely nervous. Climbing poles!!!! Yikes!!!!
It's also been EXTREMELY hot for the past couple weeks! Hitting 100 degrees with a heat index of 115 degrees! And VERY humid! I have been spending a lot of time in doors in my air conditioning!
I am also getting ready to start school in a few weeks. I am so excited to get back into it! I am signed up for online classes this semester. Andy's back to work now and we are planning on buying a second car sometime in the next couple of months, but unfortunately not before the first day of school. I've never taken online classes before but I've been told they can be even more work than being in the classroom. Thankfully the Lord has provided a job for Andy that will allow me to continue to be a full time student and focus on my school work. Plus, I love being a stay-at-home wife and taking care of my house and husband!
Well that pretty much brings you up to date! Hopefully I get better at blogging more often!!!
Three weeks ago, Andy went with all the kids from our church to Oklahoma for camp. I would have loved to go with him, but someone had to stay home with the kids (aka the dogs and cat!). It was really weird being alone for 5 whole days. It was a blast from my single past and I have to say I hated it!!! I don't miss it at all. I love being married and having Andy here with me. But he had a great time at camp and I was glad he was able to go.
While he was gone I decided to learn something new. For the past 10 months we have only had one car. Andy's manual transmission Mitsubishi Eclipse. Now I have tried several times in my life to learn how to drive a stick shift and failed every time. Needless to say with that being our only vehicle it has been a bit inconvenient, but my reason for not wanting to learn to drive Andy's car is that since it is our only one right now, I was afraid something would happen to it and we would left with nothing. But I decided I wanted to surprise him and learn to drive it while he was gone. I called my friend Melissa and she came over and taught me how to drive it. I was so proud of myself and I am happy to report that absolutely nothing is wrong with the car (well...at least nothing that I caused. more on that later)! I surprised Andy by picking him up at the church in his car. He was so shocked!!! I'm still not very good at it. I need to learn how to be smoother in my shifting but I can definitely drive it now!
After he got home from camp, we had one week together before he started his new job! We enjoyed just hanging out and spending time together. Then, the day before he was supposed to start, his car over heated! We ended up sitting on the side if I-44 until it cooled down enough to at least attempt to drive it home. Well needless to say he couldn't drive it to work the next day so he worked out transportation with his dad and thankfully made it. He then spent the whole weekend trying to fix it. Thankfully, it seemed to be a fairly simple problem and is running fine now.
He's now been working all this week and is so happy to have a job again. And, it's a job that he enjoys, but makes me extremely nervous. Climbing poles!!!! Yikes!!!!
It's also been EXTREMELY hot for the past couple weeks! Hitting 100 degrees with a heat index of 115 degrees! And VERY humid! I have been spending a lot of time in doors in my air conditioning!
I am also getting ready to start school in a few weeks. I am so excited to get back into it! I am signed up for online classes this semester. Andy's back to work now and we are planning on buying a second car sometime in the next couple of months, but unfortunately not before the first day of school. I've never taken online classes before but I've been told they can be even more work than being in the classroom. Thankfully the Lord has provided a job for Andy that will allow me to continue to be a full time student and focus on my school work. Plus, I love being a stay-at-home wife and taking care of my house and husband!
Well that pretty much brings you up to date! Hopefully I get better at blogging more often!!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
It's official!!!
Last week Andy got the official offer for a new job with AT&T! We were pretty sure he would get the job after his interview a few weeks ago but they were still waiting on background checks before they could make the official offer. Thankfully everything came back clean and he is set to start on July 30! He is so excited! Not only does this job pay more than his last position with AT&T, but it is the kind of work he loves to do. The Lord has really blessed!
It's been a rough 6 months for us. First with Andy getting sick and spending time in the hospital and a month of home healthcare. Then getting laid off the day he was well enough to go back to work, and 5 months of unemployment. It has seemed like one trial after another and it can be easy to get discouraged and wonder why all this i happening to us, but through all of this God has shown us that HE is in control, not us, and we need to trust Him.
One of my newest favorite songs is called For my good, and for His glory. It talks about how every trial we go through is ultimately for our good, but also to bring glory to God. He is the one who has been there with us through it all and we are so grateful for all He has taught us through it all.
In other news, I'm am registered for Fall semester classes! I've had to put college on the back burner for the past year but the doors have opened for me to go back this year and I'm SO excited!!!
Well that pretty much brings you up to date on our lives!
Talk to ya'll later!
Oh wait!!!!........Also this past week Andy and I celebrated our 10 month anniversary! I can't believe how fast it has gone by! It will one year before we know it!!! :)
It's been a rough 6 months for us. First with Andy getting sick and spending time in the hospital and a month of home healthcare. Then getting laid off the day he was well enough to go back to work, and 5 months of unemployment. It has seemed like one trial after another and it can be easy to get discouraged and wonder why all this i happening to us, but through all of this God has shown us that HE is in control, not us, and we need to trust Him.
One of my newest favorite songs is called For my good, and for His glory. It talks about how every trial we go through is ultimately for our good, but also to bring glory to God. He is the one who has been there with us through it all and we are so grateful for all He has taught us through it all.
In other news, I'm am registered for Fall semester classes! I've had to put college on the back burner for the past year but the doors have opened for me to go back this year and I'm SO excited!!!
Well that pretty much brings you up to date on our lives!
Talk to ya'll later!
Oh wait!!!!........Also this past week Andy and I celebrated our 10 month anniversary! I can't believe how fast it has gone by! It will one year before we know it!!! :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
In sickness and in health
For the past five days I've had a horrible ear infection. I haven't had one in years and had forgotten how awful they are. Thankfully my wonderful husband has been taking very good care of me. He makes me coffee and brings it to me in bed and has been helping out with the chores.
I'm truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband. He loves me and takes care of me even when I'm not sick. It's very sad to hear of marriages where neither the husband or the wife care for their spouse when they're sick. I've heard the comment made that "it's just because you're still newlyweds." To me that is no excuse for laziness in your marriage. Newlyweds or not, every husband and wife have a responsibility to each other and no length of time changes that.
In our church, the last few weeks have brought all the adult Sunday school classes together for a series of lessons on marriage. The lessons focus on various aspects of marriage. They have been very helpful. Even though Andy and I haven't even been married a year, there are a lot of trials that can come to a new marriage. We have definitely seen our share of trials in the last 10 months, but thankfully the Lord has been there through them all and ultimately every trial has brought us closer to God and to each other.
I'm so thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful man. He truly is more than I ever thought I would have in a husband. God truly does bless. I know I have some readers who aren't married, and my advise for you is to be patient. The perfect man or woman for you is out there and the Lord will bring him or her in His time. As most of my friends and family will attest to, patience has never been one of my virtues, but I'm so glad that I waited for the perfect one God had for me. There is such a peace in knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are with the one God created for you. Marriage is wonderful and truly worth the wait!!!
I'm truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband. He loves me and takes care of me even when I'm not sick. It's very sad to hear of marriages where neither the husband or the wife care for their spouse when they're sick. I've heard the comment made that "it's just because you're still newlyweds." To me that is no excuse for laziness in your marriage. Newlyweds or not, every husband and wife have a responsibility to each other and no length of time changes that.
In our church, the last few weeks have brought all the adult Sunday school classes together for a series of lessons on marriage. The lessons focus on various aspects of marriage. They have been very helpful. Even though Andy and I haven't even been married a year, there are a lot of trials that can come to a new marriage. We have definitely seen our share of trials in the last 10 months, but thankfully the Lord has been there through them all and ultimately every trial has brought us closer to God and to each other.
I'm so thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful man. He truly is more than I ever thought I would have in a husband. God truly does bless. I know I have some readers who aren't married, and my advise for you is to be patient. The perfect man or woman for you is out there and the Lord will bring him or her in His time. As most of my friends and family will attest to, patience has never been one of my virtues, but I'm so glad that I waited for the perfect one God had for me. There is such a peace in knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are with the one God created for you. Marriage is wonderful and truly worth the wait!!!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I'm a terrible blogger!
Wow! I have had my blog for over a year now and this is only my sixth post! Writing has never been my thing. I can do it but it just doesn't come natural to me. I'm going to try to do better! :)
I guess part of the reason I don't blog much is that nothing really new and exciting has happened lately. Andy still hasn't found a job. He has an interview on monday with a tech company and a possible job opportunity back with AT&T. Either job would be great for him. He would much prefer to be a technician than stuck behind a desk all day.
As for me, I'm still happy staying home and taking care of my husband and dogs. I'm planning on returning to school in September. I'm in the process of filling out financial papers and looking through class schedules. I'm really excited about going back!
I've also been involved with a friend of ours political campaign. Paul Curtman is running for State Rep in our district. I've been organizing fundraisers and political events for him. The Lord is really opening a lot of doors for him in this election. It definitely has been and will continue to be a fight all the way to November. If you are interested in checking Paul out you can go to his website at www.paulcurtman.com
He has also written a book called Don't tread on me which you can purchase on his website. All proceeds and donations go to help Paul's campaign. He can use all help he can get. This country is great need of people with high moral character and Christian standards like Paul.
Well I guess that"s all for now. Hopefully you all will start hearing from me more often! :)
I guess part of the reason I don't blog much is that nothing really new and exciting has happened lately. Andy still hasn't found a job. He has an interview on monday with a tech company and a possible job opportunity back with AT&T. Either job would be great for him. He would much prefer to be a technician than stuck behind a desk all day.
As for me, I'm still happy staying home and taking care of my husband and dogs. I'm planning on returning to school in September. I'm in the process of filling out financial papers and looking through class schedules. I'm really excited about going back!
I've also been involved with a friend of ours political campaign. Paul Curtman is running for State Rep in our district. I've been organizing fundraisers and political events for him. The Lord is really opening a lot of doors for him in this election. It definitely has been and will continue to be a fight all the way to November. If you are interested in checking Paul out you can go to his website at www.paulcurtman.com
He has also written a book called Don't tread on me which you can purchase on his website. All proceeds and donations go to help Paul's campaign. He can use all help he can get. This country is great need of people with high moral character and Christian standards like Paul.
Well I guess that"s all for now. Hopefully you all will start hearing from me more often! :)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Life lately
Life at the Loeffel house has been pretty uneventful these past few weeks. Andy is still out of work but the Lord has provide for our needs and been teaching us to rely on Him for everything.
I guess the most exciting thing that has happened is that we have a new baby! Her name is Abby! She is a beautiful 5 year old yellow lab. We weren't planning on getting another dog until we got into a bigger house, but she just fell into our laps!
Andy and I got home one night and as I was getting out of the car I heard something walking behind the car. As I stood up this dog slowly creeped toward me and then ran off. I could see she had a collar and an ID tag so Andy and I tried to catch her so we could call her owner. Unfortunately she was extremely nervous and wouldn't let us get near her. We decided to bring our other dog Maddie out to see if she would come near her. After awhile we managed to get her into the back yard and I called her owner to come get her. When he got here, he told us that she has been running off a lot and they were at their wits end with her. He said they were probably going to have to find a new home for her. She is such a sweetheart and with her being so nervous we thought she may have been abused in the past. We just fell in love with her so we told the guy we would take her. She settled right in and now she is part of our family. Maddie loves her and they get along great! The only down side is now the house has gotten even smaller! Oh well! I choice to think that our house isn't small, it's cozy! :)
I guess the most exciting thing that has happened is that we have a new baby! Her name is Abby! She is a beautiful 5 year old yellow lab. We weren't planning on getting another dog until we got into a bigger house, but she just fell into our laps!
Andy and I got home one night and as I was getting out of the car I heard something walking behind the car. As I stood up this dog slowly creeped toward me and then ran off. I could see she had a collar and an ID tag so Andy and I tried to catch her so we could call her owner. Unfortunately she was extremely nervous and wouldn't let us get near her. We decided to bring our other dog Maddie out to see if she would come near her. After awhile we managed to get her into the back yard and I called her owner to come get her. When he got here, he told us that she has been running off a lot and they were at their wits end with her. He said they were probably going to have to find a new home for her. She is such a sweetheart and with her being so nervous we thought she may have been abused in the past. We just fell in love with her so we told the guy we would take her. She settled right in and now she is part of our family. Maddie loves her and they get along great! The only down side is now the house has gotten even smaller! Oh well! I choice to think that our house isn't small, it's cozy! :)
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