Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Did you hear that it's pumpkin season again? Forget fall...it's all about the pumpkin. I've been busy with a LOT of things, but one of the things I'm happiest about is finding ways to use one bottle of canned pumpkin (thanks mom!!). I've made pumpkin cinnamon rolls (I'm doing that one again and will take pics and post a recipe), pumpkin smoothies for breakfast (the only problem is that when I'm finished, I want another!!), and this morning I made Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal for breakfast!

It was a GORGEOUS Saturday morning here in southeast Georgia! I had quite the to do list beginning with about 3 hours of homework. That takes some serious brain food. So, I grabbed a bowl full, got my assignment, sat down at the desk and enjoyed (and did some homework). I'm pretty sure I'll be making this again!!

Here's the scoop:

1 cup water
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup bottled pumpkin (if you are using a store bought can of pumpkin, you'll probably want to use a little less, but make it to suit your taste...you may want more!)
Pumpkin Pie Seasoning (to taste)
Cinnamon (to taste)
1 T almond milk (just for a little creaminess)
1/2 T spiced cream cheese frosting (optional...and a bit sinful!)

I'm not so good at the "wait for the water to boil" stuff, so I put the water, oats, pumpkin, and seasonings in all at the beginning, stirred it really well (my pumpkin is a little chunky as its bottled, but it's SOOOO good!). Place on medium heat until it starts to boil, reduce to a simmer. When oatmeal has reached the consistency you want (I like mine just a bit thicker than most), transfer to a bowl. If you were lucky like me and have leftover spiced cream cheese frosting, place a small dollop in the center and allow it to melt a bit. Then stir it up and enjoy!!

This makes 1 tasty serving!

Families

I hadn't planned on writing tonight, but my heart is full and my mind is racing. School has been in session now about 3 weeks (it's bad...I've already lost track of time). I am SO grateful that I didn't finish my degree when I started school as an 18 year old. Waiting almost 10 years certainly isn't the right path for everyone, but then again neither is finishing in four years. I don't regret starting, or attending a couple of semesters. I learned SOOO much! Also, if I hadn't started when I had, I wouldn't be able to be online now! It's truly remarkable how that worked out. Another testimony to me of just how much Heavenly Father loves me! Also a reminder that He is always in charge, even though I think I'm driving. :)

One of the courses I'm taking is called Family Foundations. For the basis of this class, we are using The Family: A Proclamation to the World. If you've not read it before, I invite you to do so now. Family has always been important to me, but I'm learning so quickly just how important it is in the eternal scheme of things. Heavenly Father didn't just throw together some plan and decide that this unit we call a family might work. This is an eternal pattern. We are all part of God's family. He wants us to create our families and his ultimate goal is for each of us to live ETERNALLY in our families! That's sort of a HUGE deal! Like I said, I always knew it was important, but I didn't really get it. I would imagine that I'm just now scratching the surface of understanding.

Though I've always wanted to be married and to have a family, in recent months I've found myself wondering if that was really what I wanted. I think its safe to say that ultimately I knew I did, but I was scared. I see so many unhappy marriages, so many broken homes, so many bad relationships between spouses and between parents and children. But as I've studied and prayed, and now as I study for this class, there is NOTHING more that I want in my life. I may not have those blessings now, but I can live for it, and I can stand for it, I can teach the importance of it to the children I'm with in Primary, and hopefully live as an example of it.

I had a stake president (the leader of many local congregations, called wards) tell us once that each individual is a family in embryo. Satan's goal is to destroy the family and to make a mockery of the law of chastity. Sure, he is attacking families and trying to tear them apart. But he is also trying to influence those of us who are single into staying that way, to convince us that being a part of a marriage/family isn't what we want, and that marriage isn't actually essential.

I KNOW that families are central to God's plan for His children. I may be single, but I am a family in embryo. That means that I'm living for my family right now. The person I spent years thinking I wanted to be as a wife and mother, well, I should be that person NOW! And I'm happy to report that I'm well on my way. I've spent the better part of a year focusing on that goal specifically and I'm so glad. I'm still unfinished, but I'm moving in the right direction. I'm so grateful for the knowledge of the importance of families!!

Recent History

I'm not even sure where to start! A LOT has happened since I last posted (and that was only two weeks ago!). I started school! And it would appear that I have turned into quite a little nerd...I get giddy to sit down at my computer and do my coursework. It also helps that I'm in a program that I love and I'm taking classes that I'm really interested. I will always remember some advice my grandfather gave me regarding school (or really any decision in life). He told me that it didn't matter what anyone else wanted. I needed to do things in life for me because I wanted them. If I had really followed that advice, I would have changed majors (and possibly schools, so I'm glad in the end I did what I did) as a freshman right out of high school. But when I took a break from school and took time to work, that was what I wanted and felt good about it. And, though it isn't right for everyone, I'm so glad that I took time to really prepare myself. I wasn't ready at 18. At this point in my life, it is what I want!

Also, my dad went through his heart valve replacement surgery. This man is a trooper. It hasn't been pleasant for any of us by any stretch of the imagination, but it's been a good learning experience. I gained a greater appreciation for the things my parents have done for (and continue to do for me) and of being able to be here in Georgia at this time. Had I still been living in Utah with everything going on, I'm pretty sure I'd have already had some sort of panic attack worrying about them (they have a tendency not to tell me everything that is going on). While I know they still don't tell me everything, by being around often, I'm hoping to be observant enough to know how to help, and when they REALLY need help (yes parents, this is about you...talk to me!). :)

Okay, so maybe not a TON of things have happened, but it sure has been busy. I love this little life of mine! I'm so grateful for a loving family that currently is scattered all over the place. I have older siblings I haven't seen in quite some time, but I'm so grateful for them and love hearing and seeing what is going on in their lives. I'm so proud of this family of mine. :)

2013 Primary Program - I Am a Child of God

Today was one of my favorite days!! Each year, the Primary children focus on a theme for the year, with sub-categories for each month that tie in with a song that we teach and practice. In September, the children present that year's Primary program. For our Primary, today was the BIG day! I'm currently the music leader and so it's sort of the culmination of the work we've been doing all year. I stress EVERY year. I worry I haven't taught them well enough. I think of all the things I wish I'd done differently. But then the day comes and there is no more I can do than to lead them and help them remember what they've learned.

Today was one of the BEST programs I have ever been a part of. The words the children spoke were their own, it was not a canned presentation where parts were assigned. This was their testimony and we all sang together. It was wonderful! I was one happy Primary Music Leader. It was one of those days where I NEVER want to have any other calling. It makes all the long days of music time worth it! I LOVE these kids and I'm so proud of them. They are such a force for good, a righteous generation, and at this point, some of them may not even realize it, and if they do they have no idea the scope of influence they can have!! I just love KIDS!! They truly are children of God!!

September Higher Challenge

I subscribe to posts from Time Out for Women. I attended one of their events with my good friend, Heather, several years ago. It was an incredible experience. Now, getting daily/weekly messages from them is equally cool! This year they have implemented a "Higher Challenge". Each month focuses on something different. The September challenge is this:

Think Higher & Learn Something New

 

I'm pretty sure that, unless I change my mind (like we ALL know I do so well), my September goal will be to learn to make French croissants. This is also something on my bucket list. I feel like if I can master that, I can do basically anything. Anyone want to be a taste tester??

 

I think this is an incredible opprotunity to learn something that you've been putting off, or settling for mediocre results on. So, are you on board? Will you do this with me?

 

Leading By Example

Last night (okay, so I'm late in posting...last Wednesday night) was spectacular for many reasons, but I will only share two. The first? I moved the first load of "stuff" into MY apartment!! I even put the pots and pans away in the cupboard!I'm just a little excited (!!!!!!!!!!!)! The second? Institue class started again! I have missed having this class every week to give me an extra spiritual boost.

This year we will be studying the Book of Mormon! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about that! Please don't misunderstand. I LOVE the Bible. I just completed reading the Old AND New Testaments this year for the first time in their entirety. That just meant the Book of Mormon was next in my goal to read the standard works this year. When I started reading from it again consistently and more in depth (its hard to divide reading time between multiple books, you know?), I felt a power that I hadn't really noticed before. I know there are always blessings and power that comes from reading the scriptures, but it was amazing how much MORE power I found when reading from the Book of Mormon as opposed to the Bible. Again, I love both books. They testify of the the same truths. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ (which the Bible also does). I can't explain it...you'll just have to read it for yourself to feel what I feel (and it's amazing!!).

So, back to last night (anyone else notice just how much I ramble?). We discussed the introduction pages to the Book of Mormon, as well as the first five chapters. We talked about Lehi being commanded to take his family and flee Jerusalem before it would be destroyed. We talked about how Lehi and Sariah taught their children, and ultimately we came up with their example.  And I guess that's an obvious answer, but what our teacher, Sister Christiansen, said next was what struck me the most and is encouraging me to change even more (for the better).

She said that we should live so our children will know the scriptures through the way we live. Sure, we want to teach them to read and study, to make sure they know the stories and how to apply them to their lives, but what we really want them to know is that we know them because we live what we're taught in them. I'm clearly not a parent yet, but I'm trying to become NOW the parent I want to be SOMEDAY! As I've mentioned multiple times on this blog, I've made some pretty big (and equally small) changes in my life over the last year or so to help me accomplish this end goal, so to speak. I KNOW I have more to do, but statements like this get me thinking, and more importantly, doing.

My Testimony

The first Sunday of each month, we have testimony meeting at church. Members of the congregation who feel so inclined may go the pulpit and bear their testimony. Today, I wanted to share something I learned at the YSA conference and then bear my testimony, but I just get nervous and forget what I wanted to say. So I shared what I learned, but forgot the most important part. So, instead of kicking myself for forgetting what I REALLY wanted to share, I will share it here.

I know that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father, who loves us! I know that he sent His son, Jesus Christ to earth, to set the perfect example for us to follow. I know that Christ atoned for the sins of you and I, and all mankind! He was perfect and didn't "have" to do it, but he loved us enough to lay down his life so that we may repent and return home to our Father in Heaven. But even more than knowing that He died for us, I know that three days later He was resurrected and now he LIVES for us! I know that the young man, Joseph Smith, went into the Sacred Grove where he prayed with real intent, seeking for knowledge as to which church to join. I know that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to him, and they called him by name. I know that through him, the Lord restored His church on the earth, just as in bible times and other times through history. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, as well as the Bible. Both testify of Jesus Christ and His ministry, and that the Book of Mormon was translated by the Prophet Joseph by the power of God. I know that we are lead today by a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. He leads and guides the church, but it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Christ is the head of His church. I know that we can receive revelation through the power of the Holy Ghost to guide and direct our lives, that he serves as the third member of the Godhead and his purpose is to testify of truth and help us also to return to Heavenly Father. I know that through priesthood authority, or the authority given by God to act in His name, families can be sealed to be together forever. I know that this life is not the beginning, nor is it the end. I know that we can repent and be forgiven of our sins and one day live with our Heavenly Father again, and that it will be a wonderful homecoming if we have chosen righteously. I know He loves me, and I love Him. I want to be a disciple of Christ, and help others to come to know Him as well. 

There is so much more I want to write and that I feel in my heart, but just as I wouldn't be able to say everything I feel at the pulpit due to time constraints or the personal nature of my feelings, so I will end for now. But I do KNOW these things to be true. I have studied them out and prayed directly to my Heavenly Father to gain this knowledge for myself. I challenge you, wherever you are in your life, to pray to Heavenly Father to gain this knowledge for yourself. Read, study, pray. Pay the price to gain this knowledge. I certainly don't know everything, but these things I know. He loves me, and He loves you!