Headed to PA

So Trevor and I will be headed to NEPA this week. I'm excited! Trevor got to go to the Fair in August while while I was stuck here so I haven't been since June. Hmmmph! And since neither of us have to work we get to stay longer than normal. And we are having Hunter Family Christmas on Tuesday. Woo hoo!!!

Just One of Those Days

You know the days where you set out to be productive and think you are going to have a lot of fun, and then everything goes wrong. Well that happened today.

I'm starting to get anxious, Trevor and I are home together all the time which is good and bad. Tonight was the only alone time I have had in a while.

I hate cold weather, my feet are perpetually cold. I hate clutter but have no time to pick up my apartment because I am trying to get everything ready for Christmas and our trip.

Ok. Some good things in my life so I am not a Debbie Downer

Christmas is almost here and I get to see Trevor's family

Trevor and I are healthy

Wrightsville Beach is only 12 hours away give or take

I get to go back to Mexico in February

Christmas Cookies That Made Me Crazy

Today in my free time...wait all my time is free. I went to my Grandparents house and helped put up their tree and helped decorate. If I do say so myself it looks pretty snazzy. I also made cookies that I started Sunday. It was pretty much a disaster, I will never make cookies that have to be rolled again. It's not worth it. I will also look at how many cookies the recipe makes before putting ingredients in a bowl. 96 unmade cookies of rolling sticky dough that didn't roll and made me want to cuss stared me in the face and I was pretty sure that we might have gotten to try them next Christmas. The picture of that cookie in Good Housekeeping couldn't have been real, I'm convinced they molded it out of plastic so it could sit their all perfect laughing at people like myself trying to make it. So after tearing out my hair and looking like I jumped in the flour canister and flailed about my grandma came up with the genius idea just to make the cookies as if they were peanut butter ones and roll them up and smash them with a fork. She is my hero. So I have quite a few cookies that need eaten and as my Grandmother said they are "Ledicious" I def bit off more than I could chew with that recipe.

Siesta....Fiesta!!!

So in my time of unemployment I will be going to Mexico for a mission trip in February. I wanted the opportunity to go again someday and that time has come. I have all the time in the world. I also have the financial support. I am so excited to see some of these kids again. I thought I might never see them again.

So pray for me and the team going. Also pray that if Trevor is meant to go that God would provide financially for him. Pray that my passport comes back in time with my new name on it. I never updated it after I got married.

So excited!!!!!!!

Noviembre

It's kind of boring at the Small home. Trevor was at a retreat over the weekend and then he went hunting for a couple days and I have been home by myself. I did however change the oil in Manda's car for a free massage. It was the first time I have done an oil change without Trevor there to coach me. So if you need your oil changed call me up I will give you a good deal.

Despite being by myself on Saturday I did manage to go to my high school and enjoy an evening of rockin' accapella and even got to sing with Eleventh Hour which I was a founding member of. And I got to see The Fault Line which is a bunch of studly guys that were on Americas Got Talent that basically put on a rock concert of voices only music.....the best kind. The voice is the only instrument made by God. :)

Trevor is still looking for employment and still diligently pursuing opportunities but nothing so far has been offered to him and nothing is for certain. I've been a little restless lately because of it. But its almost Thanksgiving and even when it seems like we have been slighted these last few months we are still very blessed and have a lot to be thankful for.

I am excited for Thanksgiving this year, I am making the pumpkin pie and I have never made that kind before. I am also going to make my own whip cream...which I have made before and it is much better than aerosol can cream.

Unemployment

So this week was the first week me and my husband have both been unemployed. It is really weird not having anything to do. I felt like such a hobo on Friday when me and Trevor stopped by the thrift store after we dropped my dad off at the airport. I did manage to score 2 pairs of jeans totaling less than $10 total.

Trevor had an interview on Thursday so pray about that. And the big opportunity that he is trying for is one step closer but we still have no idea if that will happen. This whole situation is going to get stressful really soon if nothing happens. But I tell you what, I have never felt more rested in my life.

This weekend Trevor and I participated in "Leaf Busters" which was an ministry our church did in the community where we raked leaves for single moms, the elderly and anyone else that needed some leaf raking assistance. 150+ volunteers went to various communities in Dayton and raked leaves. We raked specific assigned yards of people who had been nominated and then as time permitted we raked other yards. Our 3rd yard was not an "assigned" yard, we (Trevor and I's team of 9 volunteers) saw a little old lady down the road struggle to rake her leaves. We went over and she said that her back was killing her and we offered to help. She was so grateful and wanted to pay us which we of course refused. It took us about 30 minutes to do her whole yard and I think it had taken her about 45 minutes to rake the small pile to the street that she had done before we noticed us. I do believe God was glorified and Marie (the lady) was blessed. I pray that we made an impact for Christ in the communities of Greater Dayton.

Although now my back is killing me, but it was worth it to help those in need. :)

Ok now that I have gotten back to normal after International I would like to talk about it a little more...because well, it excites me!!!

We competed against 32 chorus' from all over the world. England, New Zealand, Sweden, Australia and Canada were represented. Some of the women from England were in our hotel and they were so cool. When I got off at my floor on the elevator one proceeded to say "Cheerio!" in her British accent. It made me smile. They were from Nottingham. This is so cool to me that women from other countries are learning and singing this American artform we call barbershop!!!

So we performed on Thursday and made top 10 not knowing where we stood. Then after the finals on saturday we came out 6th. At first we were bummed that we didn't get a better place but I was soon reminded that there are 600 chorus' all over the world and thousands of Sweet Adelines that will never even make it to International let alone get in the top 10 and get a medal. So I wear my 6th place medal proudly...I mean it is 6th in the whole world for goodness sake.
On Saturday night Sweet Adelines set the Guinness World Record for Worlds largest singing lesson. I was one of the verified 6651 participants. A rep was there from Guinness World records to verify that indeed a singing lesson took place. It was taught by Peggy Gram the international president and the Moxie Ladies 2009 International quartet champs and queens of harmony. That is my next goal...to be a queen.



In other news it is my last day at work here at CU. My time here is done and I am trying to stay positive, if there is one thing I need and one thing I prayed for before I even knew when this job would be over it was that I would be able to take a break...I have been working everyday I could since I didn't get paid time off and haven't had any time off since last Christmas so I am really going to be a happy camper next monday.

International is Over

Sooooo I just got back from the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Nashville Tennessee. It was a hard road and it was oh so much fun. We placed 6th overall. There were 32 Chorus' that competed from all over the world. We were 4th going into the finals and did very well, we just weren't liked well enough by the judges. There were also a few chorus' that were big shockers that really rised above that haven't ever placed as high as they did this time around, competition was tough.

Lets get ready for regional!!! GEM CITY ROCKS!!!

NASHVILLE!!!

I leave for Nashville tomorrow to hopefully bring home a gold medal.....should be fun, I will be there until Sunday and will be working my butt off all week most likely. GO GEM CITY!!!

How do you know its bad?

This is something I have to keep asking myself in times like these. Our Pastor Charlie McMahan, at Southbrook Christian Church did a sermon once that repeated this question. Some things that seem bad to us may not be bad. For us to say that when it was decided by God before I was created that these events would happen to me as bad is....well, its wrong. While it seems bad, how do i know its bad? And if I had gotten to keep this job or was offered a job how would I know its was good? We never really know.

So if I could just stay out of the way of Gods plans for my life I would be ok I think. I try to but it lasts a few minutes. I just want the weight off my chest so I know I am not trusting God 100% with this because I still have that weight. It is so hard when like I said, it seems like everything is so...bad. I keep trying to fix it with my day dreaming of how I want it to be right now. I second guess decisions Trevor and I made in the past that could be responsible for the current outcome. I can't do this.

Thanks Jessica for the comment. Sometimes the littlest things are an encouragement in trying times.

At a loss

Trevor and I will both unemployed after Oct. 30th....why is this happening to us. What did we do to deserve this :(

Just a Rant...Sorry :)

Ok do you ever feel like you are still trying to find your place in this world. Or you know what you are good at but you don't know how to use it. I can't say as I am particularly happy doing the job I am doing. While I love Cedarville students/prospective students, I don't feel like I am able really work for/with them in the capacity that I would like to and feel as though I am capable to do. I don't really understand why I am in the position that I am in, I feel completely useless, unappreciated and unneeded and yet am forced to be here. I mean I applied for this job to get away from screaming children and seemingly ungrateful women. It brought me down....but I can't imagine I would leave a place like that be forced to literally sit for 40 hours a week with nothing to do. I am capable of so much more, I know I have more potential than that but this is what I am reduced to.

I won't be doing it much longer but than I will be unemployed....so what is God planning, why would a blessing of getting out of job that was mentally and emotionally draining seem to not be a blessing anymore if it ends a year later with no prospects. I guess I don't know that yet though...I mean it isn't over yet. I realize I am shy and an introvert but goodness I have a lot to offer blast it!!!!
I just want to do something I enjoy
I'm not trying to complain, I'm just confused as to what my purpose for life is.

Future

My mind is going a mile a minute with all the things I am dealing with right now.

Trevor's lack of gainful employment
Nashville Sweet Adelines International Competition
My possible loss of job in the next couple of months
Trevor's possible opportunity that has been a waiting game that if it works out would be so blasted exciting.

Say a prayer for us. Pray that Trevor will be able to find a stable job that will meet our needs.

Eggplant is my new Fav!!!

So since my somersize lifestyle I have become quite accustom to trying new things. Now eggplant wasn't one of those things, I liked it before but I didn't even buy it at the store and cook with it myself until I changed my diet habits. It is now my favorite vegetable and I have done so much with it. One is a really fun appetizer that would make a yummy lunch or snack as well.

Crispy eggplant finger sandwiches (This is a protein/fat and veggie meal)

This is from Suzannes first book on this lifestyle called "Eat great, Lose weight" I modified it because she made like a million sandwiches with 4 eggplants and 1 is plenty for making it for myself. so, you will need

One eggplant (sliced short ways, no thicker than 1/4" slices)
olive oil
handful of loosely packed fresh basil
handful of loosely packed fresh parsley
sliced mozzarella cheese
a pinch of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
one beaten egg
and grated Parmesan cheese
vegetable oil for frying

Preheat oven to 425. Slice eggplant and lay on a baking sheet, brush with some olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and put in the oven for 15 minutes.

Then make the spread. Put basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and a small amount of olive oil in a food processor and chop it up. set aside

Beat egg and set aside. Sprinkle some grated parmesan on a plate. Assemble sandwiches by pairing up like size slices of eggplant. Put spread on one piece and put a slice of mozzarella on top and then the other slice of eggplant making sure the cheese isn't hanging over too much. Then lightly dip the sandwich in egg (I usually hold it up and just press each side in the egg) then dip it in the parmesan. Coat the bottom of a frying pan with vegetable oil and make sure its hot. Then fry your sandwiches a few minutes per side. Put on a plate with a paper towel to cool. EAt and enjoy!!! YUM YUM!!!

There are many health benefits of eggplant. They have many vitamins and minerals, contain anti oxidants and are excellent for cardiovascular health.

In other news, this weekend was a busy one. Gem City dress rehearsal. Potato festival and Brookfest. Good times.

I Do so Love Glee!

So Glee is my new favorite show. It brings back memories and takes me back to the "glory days" when I too was in show choir. The excitement of competition...the anticipation when "Illusion" was announced to take the stage. The pure joy while executing a competition show. The friendship. When you sing and dance together it really brings you into a close knit group. I miss that feeling of peeing myself when all the chorus' have been announced and there are 2 left for first place and when the emcee utters the first sound of the first syllable of the name of the 2nd place chorus and you know it isn't you and that only means YOU ARE 1ST!!!! Gahhhhhh!! Glee reminds me so much of Illusion, not to mention after the first episode I saw so many of our members in the characters in the show. I loved the stage, I loved the screaming crowd when we just pulled off a killer song. Its been so long since I have experienced this and I will finally get to do it again with Gem City in Nashville. It is who I am and it is fabulous feeling. This singer/dancer is back in business!!!!!

Weekend Update

This weekend I had a Gem City rehearsal all day Saturday. That chorus is going to be the death of me...when Nashville is over I am taking a break. These 3 a week rehearsals are killing me. We had a guest coach who is a big name in the Barbershop community, Joe Connely. He pretty much coaches the snot out of us...he pretty convinced we are going to ruin somebody's weekend (RSW). Basically its going to be a 2 chorus competition. Its either going to be us or another one even though there is like 30 chorus competing.

Sunday Trevor and I went to Old Timers days at the Greene County Fairgrounds. ITs basically redneck fest...its a bunch of tractors and tractor parts and then a flea market which consists of old rusty tools and the occasional craft, or the many remains of yard sales with nothing worth buying. We did see a remote control truck pull complete with mini weight transfer sled that the kids were participating in which was humorous. Next week is the Spring Valley Potato Festival which is my favorite but I may not be able to go because of Gem City dress rehearsal....geez. So maybe I will go Friday night. Sunday is 'BrookFest at our Church...so excited.

Update

Trevor just called, the job he interviewed for that he seemed near perfect for is a no go. They called and said "we would hire you if you had supervisor experience" which i found kind of mean...i guess they felt they owed him an explaination though since he clearly was perfect for the job. It was good job too. And yet we will stand up and brush ourselves off and wait for something else to come along.

Pray for good news!

I am trying so hard not to put all my eggs in one basket so to speak but its hard when one opportunity sounds so exciting. You know the one you can picture yourself doing. The life you can picture yourself living. Trevor has some opportunities on the proverbial table, he interviewed for a good job last week and will hear one way or another this week. He also has another opportunity that he is thinking about/ talking to someone about (this is the one that I have been putting my eggs in the basket for). I know I should not do this because if that's not it, I am setting myself up for disappointment. But I guess God would have better plans if thats not it.

Do you ever feel like everything that happened up until this moment is pointing you into a certain direction, that recent events was God leading you down a certain path but once you get to the beginning of the that long hallway God seemed to stop opening doors, or at least he is waiting to open them. Thats where we are right now. It was scary some of the things that happened that lead us to pursue the avenues in which we are pursuing, things we would have never pursued before. By scary I mean only God could have been involved, thats the only explanation for it. But after all those things happened, it seems we are at a stand still waiting for something to happen again. We are a little lost and left to wonder why all those things happened. I've been praying for weeks about it and we are still left waiting. God is teaching us patience thats for sure....sometimes it seems that that is all he teaches us....but maybe we haven't learned yet. Pray that God would open a door in the next couple of weeks. Pray that we can re-settle in life with a new beginning. Pray that I will remember these things:

1. God has provided so far and I know he always will.

2. Trevor will find employment and when my job ends in the next couple of months God has a plan for me too

3. Whatever He is planning will be the best! What I picture right now for my life doesn't matter because I am not in control. (It is so hard for me to let go and let God)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him ~Romans 8:28

Barbershop is What is Hot

Some of you might not know that I am a closet fan of the barbershop style of music. I love hearing those ringing chords and hoarmonies, I love overtones that give me chills. One of my favorites is this. It makes my heart happy. And I love doing my part to keep this style alive, its important to our country's musical history and not a lot of people even know what it is. I am a member of Sweet Adelines International. It is a womens singing organization that has chorus' and quartets all over the world. It was started in the US in Oklahoma basically because some women were tired of men having all the bbshop fun. So on Tuesday nights from 7-10 I am at rehearsal. We have a wonderful director Jean Barford who is pretty much the ninja of womens barbershop. If a chorus is going to have a director, shes the one you want. She is flown all over the place to coach chorus' and quartets. We are competing in Nashville at the end of October and let me tell you, rehearsals are full of intense energy at this point, we pretty much rock and we are going for the gold! LAst night we created an undertone that ripped, pretty sure the people next door wondered why everything was shaking. So October 20-14 be thinking of Gem City Chorus.

Hopefully some new beginnings

Trevor has a job interview for a really good job at Athletes in Action on Thursday. It would be perfect for him. The other idea we have for a future is still up in the air but we may find out sometime this week so keep that in your prayers.

Tonight is creamy chicken and leek stew for dinner. This is really yummy and if you are somerzing, it is completely approved. It is from Suzannes book Fast and Easy

4 table spoons of unsalted butter
4 chicken breasts cut in one inch pieces
3 leeks (white part only) sliced thin
60z mushrooms sliced
3 stalks celery chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup white wine
1 14.5 oz can of chicken broth
2 tsp tarragon
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter large sauce pan on high, add celery, mushrooms and leeks and saute for 3 minutes, add cream, wine and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, add chicken and tarragon. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add cream cheese and stir until blended. Eat and enjoy. Its a rich and creamy delight!!!

Trevor likes it even though he says leeks are scary because they are the "bad guys" on Veggie Tales.

Welcome to my new Blog!

Stay tuned!