Amazing husband, a dog that loves me dearly and my computer illiteracy

Ok I have to start out this blog with praise to my amazing husband. I have picked up a part time job to help with the extra expenses from my surgery. So I have been working monday-wednesday of this week and the house work has been piling up. Especially the dishes...I am usually so wiped from my 6am -11pm day that I go straight to bed when I get home. So last night I was crabbing that I had to go home and do dishes and finish laundry and when I got home...adrian had picked up the house nad done all the dishes in the kitchen as well as cleaned all the counters. I have the most AMAZING HUSBAND IN THE WORLD. that totally desearved caps. then I also have an adorable puppy who waits for me to come come home every night. Check out this picture...she is hiding behind the curtain waiting and watching.


Ok well I thought I was going to get some pictures off my camera. But I have no idea where they got saved. So we will try again tomorrow. I am pretty computer illiterate. So we will keep trying until we are successful. Can't wait til i know what i am doing. Enjoy the day.

Weekend Recap

Recap of the weekend. Friday evening Adrian and I went to watch our former soccer team play at the Sport Center. Let me tell you for free entertainment...it rates up there with some of the best. There is never a dull moment watching a team of people that really have never played Soccer. they have definitely recruited some talent though. It was fun to see that they are getting better.

Then saturday I woke up at the crack of dawn...6pm to head to a the junior high wrestling conference match. It was sweet to see all of my sixth and seventh grade wrestlers..win. They are awesome. they came in second as a team and there were many individual awards. most of you are probablly asking though, why were you there. Well I was asked if I would take tickets...and there was money involved so I said yes. It was a great way to waste some of my alone saturday's with Adrian at work. Adrian worked until 5 or 6 pm...on Saturday...I cooked us dinner and then we had a little puppy party. macy had her friend bailey Stanger over for a play date. but it didn't go so well. Macy was a little too energetic and after three hours of constant play bailey had had enough....so we returned her to her uncle Jason's house for the night. It was great to see bailey again..>I haven't had time to figure out the camera yet or I would post pictures..maybe later this week.

Then Sunday we got up and went to church. then Adrian had to go to work again...I just keep remembering that April 15th is right around the corner. And I am praying it really ends then. When He got home at four I had been sleeping I was exhausted from the day before...so I did laundry and slept. I made dinner and we chilled and watched a movie...XXX, it was one I had already seen...I also watched the games.. GO GEORGE MASON...you rock. it would be sweet if an eleven seed one it all wouldn't it. it would throw everyones brackets off. Hope everyone had a Merry Monday and enjoyed the rest and relaxation of the weekend.

R&R Can't wait

This weekend is a large amount of R&R. Complete rest and recovery. I got a part time job so I have been working approximately 60 hours a week while I apply for a real full time job. I have had some great possibilities lately...Keep praying. Thank you so much for the prayers so far. God is good and in his time it will work out. I am not enjoying the extra time away from Adrian and Macy. We rarely cross paths the way it is with Tax season so when I am the one gone I usually feel bad..

Today I really focused on blessings and simple ones at that.
I have an amazing and adorable husband

I live in a free country...free to choose everything about my life

I have a roof over my head

I have the freedom to worship God

I feel safe walking outside by myself

I have an education and not only that but a college education

I have a family that loves me, even when I am so far away

the ability to afford to scrapbook and take pictures

I started to think about the child a use to sponsor for Compassion International. I had to stop because of financial reasons. Basically I spent to much of my money on needless material things and so I didn't have any left for the important ones. I just remember how the little things really mattered to her. She looked at the word with such innocent eyes yet she had been through so much at such a young age. We are beautifully blessed. I am incredibly blessed to have what I have and to have the love that I have. Have a great weekend.

what a blessing!!!

Ok I was shopping, grocery shopping that is, this last saturday at the local martin's. LOVE THAT PLACE> I was near the milk and the cold foods when this lady walked up to me and asked if I wanted to sign up for a raffle, for a digital camera...so I appeased her and took her little slip of paper. While in the back of my head thinking,....the people that do this all the time are out of their minds...one out of 500 win right? Plus on a positive note Adrian and i had been talking about saving for a digital camera. plus Darcy says it is a necessity. well I finished getting my groceries and the teacher's credit union where this raffle was being done was on my way out. So I decided to stop by...adrian and I had been thinking about switching banks, to have one closer to our house anyway,...so why not get some information and simply write my name and number on a silly slip of paper. SO I talked to the lady turned my slip in and then proceeded to the check out...then home you all know how it goes.

So last night I am working at a middle school basketball game, and my phone rings says caller unavailable. Well in my life this means, scary credit people, bill collector, or group home wanting me to work. SO I hesitated but answered. To hear this very joyful voice say:
"can i speak with Nichole Schrock" TCU lady.

"this is her" me

"this is Mika from TCU, congratulations you won the digital camera" TCU lady.

"what, me" me.

"yes you, you can pick it up tonight...we are here til 7pm", TCU lady...

So yes I am now the proud owner of a Kodak digital camera. Not exactly what I wanted but, can you all say FREE!!!!! I can and it means no complaining. So we are enjoying getting to understand it. I am not completely computer literate...so it will take me a little while to figure it out. Gotta read that stupid book. if anyone has shortcuts. Or digital cameras for DUMMIES...i'll take the advice.

other than that life has been pretty boring...Macy got fitted for a gentle leader which is a harness that will help my shoulders stay in there sockets when we go for walks. it is simply amazing. if she starts to pull all i have to do is pull up on the leash and she turns and sits. BEAUTIFUL....i am going to start enjoying walks again. I also have started another part time job...while I continue to look for a higher paying full time job. It is great to have the consistent money flow every week. some stress has been relieved. this was truely a blessing in disguise. God is good. i have a little more reassurance that the school thing is going to happen too. just gotta keep praying. I know that God is good. Adrian is still in busy season and it is the end...so he is working really late. so I guess Macy is suffering from both of us being gone three nights a week. But Jay is helping out some he has been a great friend. it is wonderful to have him so close. other than that. Life is great and continuing to go on as normal...or as normal as we get. Hope life is good with all of you. That is it for now. I will post again soon, hopefully with new digital pictures.

AI and Scrappin away the blues.

Ok last nights AI was a great tribute to Stevie Wonder a legend in music...but man did my girl struggle. Her little country twang didn't really match stevie's soul music. and simon ripped her apart.

I think about three people did well. My man brought down the house. He was awesome. But I wasn't having a good night. I have been struggling lately with life. I have these little episodes every now and then...when I know I am truely blessed but life seems to be pushing down so hard that I feel there is no way out. Ever had that feeling? I hope not it is not fun. I am in the middle once again of job hunting, but this time also applying for school. I have to get my masters to really make any money doing what I love to do. I also have a desire to learn this time around.. I really think going back to school will be good for me. Can't wait to start. I just have to believe that the money will come back after the fact. So I am diving in head first and really need prayer. It stresses me out to put us that tight in our budget...but I really feel God telling us we can do it. I just gotta have faith. So last night what do you think I turned to .....I turned to scrapping to brighten my day...I did two pages. So much fun...the first was the 10 things I love about my husband....He is spectacular and so supportive and comforting when I am in these moods. it is hard for him...because he is a fixer. Anyone who has done personality studies, he is a FIXER. I love him for it...

So what did I do to get rid of the blues? ???? I scrapped starting with my puppy again. then the ten things I love about my husband. that one was fun.

Ok I have a laugh for you. Today I watched the teacher have this conversation in a math class:
The question was There is a 37% chance of rain what is the probability of the complementary event?
Teacher: what is the opposite of raining?
student: 37 %
Teacher: No, no no: what is the opposite of raining?
Student: .37
Teacher: NO not a number a word...
This went on for at least 5 minutes...until finally the teacher said:

The word is yes or no...what is the opposite of raining...
Student: NOt raining.

Ok it was funny to be hear...sometimes I don't think they even listen to our questions..we could have asked what direction is the sky and he would have answered 37.....

Have a great day.

"Rock Star vs. Teacher"

Friday night was the greatest...first of all because my husband cam ehome. and early no less. But second because I went to the Jeremy Camp bethany dillon concert. and I have pictures these are great.

As my friend Leslie and I sat there during intermission, wewere discussing how we all dream of being a rock start when we are little and how similar it is to being a teacher.
* first, we all sperform in front of people
* We both are sending a message
* We impact people's lives
* Kids listsen, well they are suppose to in the classroom
* Kids have crushes on teachers and on rock stars.....come on admit it you had a crush on one of your teachers along the way
* THe only difference really is kids are forced to listen to us and they choose to listen to the music and Kids are mezmerized by a Rock Star

Ok so really we, as teachers, are nothing like a Rock Star. But we can keep Dreaming. Right? By the say if you have never seen or heard Bethany Dillion check her out. She is 17 years old and has the most incredible insight into who God is. There is an innocense about her that is so refreshing. Check out her new cd Imagination....www.bethanydillon.com. Her website is fabulous asnd so inspiring for my recently new scrapping style. I have totally gotten into doodling.







Well then Saturday morning....I woke up and got to go to breakfast with my old roommate. It is so great to catch up with people you haven't seen in a while. I truely miss the accountability and the late night conversations we would have in our old apartment. Don't get me wrong i love my husband and we talk...but it can never take the place of girl talk there are just things that guys don't understnd.

Then I got to scrap from 10 am -4pm....I have a special project I am working on, which I can't really tell you about (because the person reads my blog) adn then I have started a journey of healing scrapbook and I have vowed to do a page a month. I am starting to process through my rape again. There are definitely new issues that have come with marriage...but the growth has been amazing. God is so good!!! I want to remember the God moments and this is my way of journalling the journey. It has been rewarding and fun. So on saturday I was able to finish this months entry. Then we had a visit from one of Adrian's families exchange students from when he was in highschool...it was really neat to meet her and hear about her family and life now. Adrian's brother was also home and we don't get to hang out with him much...so that was fabulous.


Sunday morning we got to abserve our friend Natalie teach sunday school. I am so excited that Adrian agreed to teach with me. I really wanted to do something together that serves God. I think that serving God together is the most rewqarding thing a couple can do together...I can't wait to watch my husband with the kids. He is phanominal with children. of any age....it is one of my favorite things about my hubby. Then we spent the afternoon doing our own things but together in our house. Can I just tell you how great it felt to just have him home in the house with me. It didn't even bother me that we didn't do something together, (which is unusual). He watched the big ten tourney adn I did more scrapbooking....sorry I can't show you I have no way to scan them in...maybe someday. I borrowed my friends digital camera so I could do a toys page for macy. It was incredible to have an idea and be able to scrap it in the same day. I really NEED a digital camera...I do have to admit the color wasn't as great as my SLR...but for quick pictures and random moments with Macy it was great to be able to delete the bad pics and not have to pay for prints of pictures I am going to throw away anyway.

I think i found a way to show you a page that I scrapped. I finally got to our engagement pictures last night I know crazy....it has been 7 months already since our wedding and i haven't started to scrapbook them...The engagement has already been a year. crazy....here it is it was part of another lo that I did so it is in the distance.

News Flash!!!

Ok So the boys didn't really impress me last night. I watched it on DVR this morning and nothing was a stand out exept for this guy's dancing. I don't know his name but he has gray hair and he had gyrating hips and twitches that you didn't know what you were going to see. Simon said he would be the fall of music videos ....but he would be a great radio singer. The guy even laughed at Simon. I guess when you know you are bad at something, it is best to just laugh at yourself. The other thing is there is a guy on the show whose name is BUCKY....who does this to their child. If you really love your children think hard about the name you are giving them and the implications it might have later in life. Kids have it hard enough as it is.
I guess tonight we will see what america thinks.

Tomorrow night I am sooooooo excited. I get to see in concert for the third time in my life one of my favorite musicians: JEREMY CAMP. NOt only that but one of my friends: Eric's friend BEthany Dillion who I have never seen before. Plus I am going to meet my adorable husband there...and that makes the night incredibly special. Yipppeeee........

OK!!!! I have to bring this up.. Did anyone see in the paper how predators are using these blog sites to prey on junior high aged kids. Isn't that scary. It really makes me think of what I write and how to say it. These people are so sick. This was just a big reminder to remember to keep things gerneral.

American idol addict

Ok, so I have never been addicted to American idol. Over the last four years I have been the person who made fun of my youth group kids because they were recording it while at youth group. I guess I should have just been happy they were at youth group and not in front of their TV's at home. Right? Anyhoo...i have become an addict this year....ditzy people have for the most part made me laugh (like darcy's rake story), but occasionally they really annoyed me. But I have to admit that Kelly pickler is adorable and I really think that she is just naive....and really doesn't know what is going on. Come on the girl had never had salmon....which by the way she pronounces with the "L" or Calamari....which we (kelly and i) both really prefer to let other people eat. And she sings songs that i love. and just has a unique voice. it doesn't have the same old normal sound that you are use to a pop star having. But on the other side...Mandisa has phenomenal pipes...Come on the girl can sing. She made me have goose bumps last night with her I'm every woman rendition. IT was AMAZING!!! Then on the guys side I am fascinated by a married man. He is a rocker at heart and has brought the house down twice now. I can't wait to hear what Chris has in store for us tonight. I am in love with my husband, so I said fascinated. He has the coolest voice.

My baby had her stiches removed yesterday...She was crazy at the vet. They ask me to give her a sedation pill before we came in but I don't think it did anything. She was out of control at the vet. Jumping on people and sliding across the floor...it is funny because they just laugh at me when we come in Macy pulling me at full force. My arm flying out of its socket. I always thought I was a pretty strong girl until this dog came into my life. Now she is the strong women in the family. hehe :).

Just another Random Saturday

Saturday morning Macy and i spent some time playing fetch. It is so hard durning the week to get in our play time. It is fun to have saturday mornings to catch up. Just like a kid. Macy wakes up on saturday mornings the same time that she wakes up during the week. 6am...sometimes i get to sleep in to 7pm. it is quality time together. I also get a lot of cleaning done in the morning and it is so much more productive than when i used to sleep the day away. Today i am excited my parents are on the way for a weekend o fun. What ever that means in Lovely elkhart indiana. I can never find things to do with them. If anyone has any suggestions. I am however extremely excited that I am finally feeling well enough to stand all day. i can't beieve that a cold and cough could knock me out for a week. Crazy. Anyway. This is a picture from about 4 weeks ago. Macy is bigger now. I have new pictures coming. I really need a digital camera. I feel like it takes me a weeks to post some pics. Sorry guys.

Today I spent all morning cleaning and then my cutie husband got home and refused to go to the store without me. I think he is deprived. But it is his job that sends him away so often. It really has been hard in our first year of marriage. I am doing ok being the supportive wife. He is here for today and tommorrow and then he leaves again for ohio this time for a week. I think that is the end of the maddness though. h e is also going to make a quick run to the grocery store for some cool whip. I am going to try this delicious strawberry thing that Darcy makes.

I also found out i have to give a big CONGRATULATIONS to my cous Jason. He got engaged....that will be two weddings in a year for that fam. Crazy!!! but very exciting. Can't wait to celebrate with you.

right know i am watching Mythbusters I love this show. They prove thing either myth or true...They get to do experiments and blow things up...this would be the greatest job ever. The picture above they made hovercrafts that hover over sand....they worked. Today is about weather a tissue box in your back window of your car...when you have an accident this klennex box could be deadly. Sounds pretty crazy do you think it is true or a myth. I will let you know when the show is over. They have proved some pretty crazy things true. Have a great weekend.

Happy Recipe Swapping Day!!!!

Grasshopper Dessert Squares

Frosty freezer desserts save the day as they can be made ahead. This one combines a favorite chocolate and minty flavor.
1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (from 15-oz package)
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, cubed, softened
1/3 cup green crème de menthe liqueur
1/4 cup white crème de cacao liqueur
1 1/2 jars (7 oz each) marshmallow creme (2 1/4 cups)
1 1/2 cups whipping cream


1.  Line 13x9-inch pan with foil so edges of foil extend over sides of pan; spray with cooking spray. In pan, mix cookie crumbs, sugar and butter. Press evenly in bottom of pan.
2.  In large bowl, beat cream cheese, crème de menthe and crème de cacao with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add marshmallow creme; beat until smooth. Refrigerate about 45 minutes or until mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon.
3.  In chilled large bowl, beat whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into marshmallow mixture until blended. Pour over crust. Freeze about 4 hours or until firm.

If you love the grasshopper ice cream drink you will love this dessert. I know that it is hit with me.

Slow Cooker Couscous-Stuffed Peppers
Like stuffed peppers? Try a new one with a spicy combination of ingredients.
4 large bell peppers
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2/3 cup uncooked couscous
1/2 cup water
Pine nuts, if desired
Fresh cilantro, if desired


1.  Cut thin slice from stem end of each bell pepper to remove top of pepper. Remove seeds and membranes; rinse peppers.
2.  In 10-inch skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium-high heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, salt, cinnamon and red pepper. Stir in couscous. Divide beef mixture evenly among peppers.
3.  Pour water into 4 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker; stand peppers upright in cooker.
4.  Cover and cook on low heat setting 5 to 7 hours or until peppers are tender. Garnish with pine nuts and cilantro.
I love all recipes that include the slow cooker. I never have time to make a meal that takes more than 45 minutes. So the slow cooker is wonderful. These are delish.....enjoy...can't wait to see your receipes.

I just need to say it feels good to be off the couch and back to work. I better get to work.


4.  Remove from pan, using foil to lift. Let dessert stand at room temperature 10 minutes before cutting. Freeze any remaining dessert tightly covered.