Another use for coconut oil!

Sitting in church yesterday I kept thinking how dingy my boots were looking. But they're not worn just the leather looks sad, almost faded. So as the sermon was dragging on :/ (we had a different pastor speaking and it was real sad because literally even the sound booth guys were dozing off) I Had the idea that I could condition my boots with coconut oil. This morning I tried it and they look great. Now it didn't work exactly the way I thought. I was thinking I would more or less be dusting and shining them up, but it really moisturized them and they look beautiful though I will say it scared me at first as it started to change the color pretty drastically at first. 

I put maybe a teaspoon of coconut oil on a rag and rubbed it in a circular motion all over my boot adding more oil as needed to the rag. The oil does soak in and leaves the boot nice and even but as you're applying it may appear darker in some spots. 

Now this worked on my boots that are real leather, I haven't tried my less than leather boots yet and I'm not saying it will work on your boots but I loved it and thought I'd share- please no phone calls about ruined boots- Bradley won't pay to replace any losses.

       After                                                    Before

Eating clean(ish)

Maple syrup/brown sugar salmon

Steamed broccoli and sweet potatoes 

This was super yummy. And not to brag but I just through it together :)

Preheat 400 degrees 

So I put the salmon skin down in a casserole dish and drizzle the syrup over and brown sugar on top. Bake 20mins

The potatoes I microwaved for a few min to soften enough to be able to cut into small bite size and in a casserole dish a sprinkled cinnamon and just a little brown sugar. Cover with foil so it steams but poke foil so it vents

Bake 20mins (I put the fish and potatoes in together)

Steamed the broccoli and left b's raw cause he can't handle the texture of it steamed. I had him try one last night and he actually spit it out!! Lol

Our fillets were large so I left it in an extra 4mins- so 24mins total. 

Terra I know you won't but just in case you do cook this... This fish it done when it starts to flake apart :)

Enjoy!

9-11 twelve years later

So hard to believe its been twelve years. This year 9-11's anniversary has a much heavier affect on my heart than ever before as a new wife to a wonderful man in the US Army Infantry. I'm so thankful for the sacrifice of all the soldiers that work and fight for our country out of the goodness of their souls before and after the fateful 9-11. And to the soldiers'  wives and families. THANK YOU! Thank you for moving away from your family to support your husband in this ever honorable career. Thank you for going through lonely weeks and months in new surroundings. Thank you for all your sleepless nights alone not knowing where he is or if he is safe, if he got to eat dinner, or if he slept today. Thank you for taking care of your babies while he is gone and telling them that daddy will be home soon. Thank you for joining the service when you said "I do". It's the toughest job in the world, lean on Jesus so that your soldier can lean on you when he can't stand. Those in camo and combat boots are undoubtedly heroes, but also those who pick up after the boots.  

Moving away from you girls has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Without a doubt. It's been hard on my heart, I've gone through a couple months of being depressed. I cry all the time. And its in turn been hard on Bradley and I. You know how grossly adorable we were before we got hitched. It's been really hard on us since we've been here because I've been in such a slump and gained weight and instead of talking to him I've begun to just resent him for missing you all and so anything will set me off and start a fight blah blah blah. Anyway, I've just been so much more appreciative to all the wives in the service because I know I'm not the only one. And... I'm one of the strong ones! Ugh. It's hard. But I've really had to readjust how I lean on Jesus and not on Bradley to give me a good or bad day. And Bradley and I have hashed out and really gotten down to the root of why we've been at each others throats and not all lovey dovey and of course bradley was super gracious. I can't tell you the 180 we've done. It's been awesome. Not to say Helga doesn't still pay her visits (cause she does) but our attitudes toward each other has gone back to normal- it's been awesome :) we're gross again ;)

Ok I'm babbling. Love you girls. 

Wheat Free Lunch/Dinner Ideas

Lunch/Dinner

1.    Taco Salad

2.    Chicken Salad

3.    Rot Chicken, Apples, Avac, Nuts, Banana, Cilantro, Poppyseed Dressing

4.     Chicken tortilla soup (substitute tortillas for corn or chips) http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rescue-chef/chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe/index.html

5.    Tacos/Fajitas

6.    Corn Enchiladas

7.     Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice (substitute flour for GF) http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-cranberry-pecan-wild-rice-107255.aspx

8.    Sausage & Potatoes

9.     Spaghetti Squash with Pesto or Margarita  Style http://www.hoopfinityshappenings.com/2012/07/gluten-free-goodness-baked-margherita.html

10.  Chipolte Burrito Bowls (chicken, Cilantro/lime rice, beans, toppings)

11. Quinoa – Mediterannan or Mango

12. Quinoa Nachos http://4sisterstalk.blogspot.com/2013/04/easy-fresh-quinoa-nachos.html

13. One-pot Chicken Beans & Rice http://simplysugarandglutenfree.com/one-pot-chicken-with-beans-and-rice/

14. Chili

15. White Bean Chili

16. Turkey Taco Soup

17. Jalepeno/Cheddar Burgers NO BUN, serve with avacado

18. One Pan-Roasted Chicken With Lemon-Garlic Green Beans http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pan-roasted-chicken-lemon-garlic-green-beans-10000000780291/index.html

19. Chicken Gyro (Salad/or over Rice) http://tideandthyme.com/chicken-gyros/

20. Lemony Chicken and Orzo http://www.pinterest.com/pin/154952043402325848/

21. BBQ Chicken Salad

22. Turkey Taco Bowls With Cilantro Rice http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2013/05/03/turkey-taco-bowls-with-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/

23.  Quinoa, Black Bean Tacos http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/04/quinoa-black-bean-and-corn-tacos/

24. Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/chicken-bacon-avocado-chopped-salad/

25. Baked Turkey & Spinach Meatballs (need GF breadcrumbs) http://homecookingmemories.com/baked-turkey-meatballs-with-spinach-10-ideas-for-meatballs/

26.  SW Potato Skins http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/recipes/classics-made-clean/southwestern-potato-skins/

Why I am an Education Major...

So, for my education class we had to reflect and write a paper on why we think we want to teach. It was supposed to be a 250-300 word paper but I didn't realize how passionate I was about teaching until the word count was 800. Sisters, this is why I want to be a teacher...

The reason I want to teach is a cliché answer: to make a difference. But this phrase is cliché because it’s constantly used due to the fact that it is a true reason why people want to serve others. I want to make a difference by serving in my everyday life. I believe that teachers, whether we admit it as students or not, have a strong influence in the way a student, at any age, views his or her education. A teacher can influence the impact of a child’s life either negatively or positive in the short time they have with them. I want to make a classroom a sanctuary for children who need to escape from their home or other outside factors. I want to change a student’s perspective on school and possibly encourage and inspire them to continue their education beyond high school. I want to make sure that every student who walks into my classroom knows that someone believes in them and will always be there to encourage them in any season of life. I want to see the change that happens in their life when they just get it, whether it be a problem or something they find in themselves. I want to shine light on their greatness and be a rock for them. I want to be heartbroken for my students and I want to learn from them as they learn from me.

The first time I knew I wanted to be a teacher was in jr. high when my language arts teacher, Mr. Kalin gave his students an outlet to express themselves in a positive way. He was our friend with the utmost respect by all. He believed in us because someone believed in him through his trials which lead to him becoming a teacher. As I entered into high school my goal was to work hard for scholarships so I could attend a good teachers’ college. My English teacher, who I had for my whole high school career, was the most blunt, compassionate, challenging and open teacher who cared enough to tell you what you didn’t want to hear but needed. He never sugar coated the hot topics and he shared his personal struggles to teach us that life was hard, unfair and beautiful in the same moment. I will forever be grateful for Mr. Vining and his everyday drive to make sure that his students were more than equipped for the bigger world. He wasn’t afraid to let us know that our small high school lives were miniscule in comparison to our entire existence. Now, Mrs. Dunham inspires my passion. She made U.S. history the most thrilling topic. She never skipped a beat and had the class hang on to her every word. She was phenomenal and was the most demanded teacher at Centennial High School. She was also someone I went to for advice and she genuinely cared about my struggles. If I am half as good as the teachers who inspired me, I will be satisfied.

I want to teach high school level English. I want to teach high school students because I feel as though my life was most impacted during that season of my life. I want to eventually go for my master’s degree and teach college level. I believe that these are crucial periods in life where I want to make an impact.

I experienced teachers who invested so much of their time into their students’ lives and I watched them make differences. I also had experiences with teachers who viewed teaching as strictly a job and not a way to positively influence younger generations. They simply put in their time and clocked out. They didn’t go the extra mile that is a requirement for an effective teacher. I know what kind of teacher I want to be and I want to invest everything I have into my students and I will be constantly reminded by who inspired me. I am a person who takes on other people’s burdens and will make it my personal goal to help them through his or her trials. I know that my work will follow me home and that I will dedicate as much as my time to help my students fulfill their potential that maybe they don’t see. I want to see the good in people, always, and more students need their elders to point out the good in them. I hope to be that light. I want to fight for younger generations and my passion will fuel me. I am addicted already to the thrill of knowing that I may impact just one life and the heartache that may come with it will be worthwhile.

Love,

Tay

THIS is country

I'll show you country...


We went for a drive Sunday afternoon with Lucy in tow and took some back country roads and I'm telling you this is the place where country songs are written. Now ate some points Brad said this is getting pretty hillbilly but as a whole it's so beautiful here, girls. If you can get over the bugs! I'm telling you they're really more like creatures. Things I've never seen in my life! But it's awesome you stopped on our way home from Callaway Gardens for lunch and found this adorable little town called Pine Mountain. Had the cutest main st and sweetest houses with perfect porches with rocking chairs where surely people gossip while sipping pink lemonade. So, girls...here's the country... Where the back roads, big green tractors, and farmers daughters live.

The other side of the road from this barn we came up on a baby deer! It was so sweet but we didn't get a pic before he left :)

Life on the Farm

"A country life is to be preferred, for there we see the works of God." - WILLIAM PENN

I don't know if I exactly agree with Mr. Penn here. If the "works of God" include bugs on high performing drugs, the smell of fresh manure, stray vicious dogs, the feces covered "organic" eggs and the rusted, rotting lawn fixtures in our neighbors' yard then yes, Mr. Penn is correct. A country life is also very lonesome and puts a toll on ones gas tank. $150 in 2 weeks on gas. I'd much rather spend gas on useless things such as pretty dresses or manicures. But my farm life calls for gas to escape from it. Another negative on farm life is that no one wants to make the hike to you... Which you can't blame a city folk for not wanting to get attacked by man eating moths and get their shoes dirty from their walk to the front door which is guarded, again by man eating insects. Plus, sometimes you get stuck behind a tractor on your way to work which wouldn't  bother me too much if it was Kenny Chesney on his tractor with his farmer's tan. See country music also makes false claims on this country living... Dad has not hired Rodney Atkins who has fallen in love with the farmer's daughter (aka me). And Jason Aldean hasn't brought over his green tractor for me to ride on. And Luke Bryan hasn't come to kiss me back in the barn after a rain storm. 

Pros of farm life... Well the I'll think is some for you guys later.

Good news is that school is resuming in 2 weeks, so I will be living the big city life again! I thought I wanted to live like you girls did in Wickenburg... But I take it back. I'm a city girl who occasionally likes to be adventurous and get down in the dirt. But I don't want to live with the chickens and bugs. I'm not ashamed either. Because Eric Church's wife doesn't look like she lives on a farm. 

Xoxo,

A city girl living the farm girl's life

My little life

Hey girls :) I kept thinking I needed to wait til something awesome happened so I could blog it, but after a couple weeks of quiet life I decided that I'd just write...

Miss you so much. Just thought I'd get in here and post a couple things about my little life in Georgia.   First, the weather is nuts. The other day I was with Lucy and her puppy friend Sabo down stairs letting them play and as I was gross with sweat and feeling like I should've put sunscreen on for the 10 min in the blistering sun (it was only 94 btw) and we jump at the thunder cracking over us. Not ten minutes later the clouds rolled in and rained like cats and dogs. You just never know when it's gonna hit around here. It really makes doing your hair such a waste. And another thing ill tell you it's kinda a catch 22 with getting to know our neighbors cause now I feel weird about taking Lucy out without a bra on. Me not her. 

But we are getting to know some people in the complex which is nice. Helps us feel less like strangers or visitors in this town. And Lucy has 2 new puppy friends! When she hears them outside she rings her bell :)  and she's mastered the headlock. Brad thinks he taught her how to wrestle lol.

Well I know I've told you all and I'm sure you noticed when we came to AZ that I've  gained a pound,  or 13! since the wedding and I hate it. So I'm on a health kick. This week while brads gone on his ten day I've gone to all the Zumba and spin classes I can and been eating really clean. Against my better judgment I got on the scale this morning and I've lost 4lbs since brad left! (That was my goal for the ten days!) so I'm setting a new goal to double my loss before I see him Tuesday :) enough on that though.

Oh,oh! I had my third client this week today! That's been awesome. Meeting new girls through that and making a little moola for my little family is nice. We have a ridiculous packing list for brads ranger school and everyone in know says it'll cost over $1000.  Not awesome. So it's nice to feel like I'm contributing :) 

Okay so I'm sure you saw on the news (well not terra) that a soldier died in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber on Tuesday morning. He was an ASU ROTC graduate and was just one class ahead of Bradley. He was infantry reserves and had his ranger tab. Obviously this hits way too close to home and knowing that brad knew him and all his/our friends from ASU ROTC all knew him, some commissioned with him. Thinking about having to tell my husband about this when he gets home is so hard- now I don't know how well brad knew him but I know they're fb friends and have like 30 mutual friends, including sarah blakeley and brads two best guy friends from college, santo and billy. So today my heart was pretty heavy with this. I don't know how to approach telling Bradley because I don't know how he will react. Okay okay I don't want to talk about that anymore.

Love you girl so much. Blog soon :)

Brad and Shea Visit AZ

Shea and Brad traveled home for the Fourth of July weekend. We surprised Pa with their homecoming and have soaked every minute of their short visit. It's so weird for them to be visiting and have them not live here anymore. We are also all still adjusting to Shea having a husband! It has been so much fun catching up but it has also felt like our sister has never left. Hopefully, next time we see the newlywed Palmers, we will get to visit their home in Georgia! 

Redecorated Master Bedroom

For Mother's Day, Andrew gave me money to redecorate our bedroom. Which goes to prove if you nag long enough about something they get the hint :) 

Everything I got was from HomeGoods! Of course, not in one trip...I am my mother's daughter and it took at least 5 trips. HomeGoods is my new favorite store. I got the comforter, shams and white pillows as a set for $89. We already had aqua pillows and throw so we are just using it for now. The white brightened the room up so much. And I actually like my grey paint now. I also got a set of long white curtains. I probably need a set for both windows but I was being cost efficient, aka cheap. 

I also got the big white mirror on clearance for $22. It's not great but it is the size I wanted for over our "free found on the sidewalk" dresser. We will paint both eventually. 

We also got the two black side tables from HomeGoods, they have a lot of cute accent furniture for great prices. We got home and I decorated mine so cute and Andrew put his 20 year old alarm clock, the monitor and a rag that he puts his phone on at night on his! Ugly it up much!! So I hid those things with a picture frame. 

I want to add some coral accessories for a pop of color. And need to get a white bed skirt which seem to be hard to find! Someday I want a cute accent chair in a cute fabric for the corner by the book shelf. 

Above the bed a want to print out new family photo, the colors will look great. Also want to work on a DIY headboard idea. 

Anyways love it for now. Feels clean and fresh with white not to mention all the junk we took out :) 

Where's Matty?

I think we have an entertainer on our hands. He did this for at least ten minutes and thought it was just as funny at the end as at the beginning.

Shea & Brad's Honeymoon Baby...

You know how sometimes right after a wedding there is a surprise pregnancy announcement from a shocked couple. Well this is that announcement ... But the stork couldn't find Shea and Brad in Georgia so it just landed at our house! 

Baby #3 expected to land mid December. 

How Matthew Really Feels About the News!

Luke wants the baby to be another boy and name it either Matthew or Foot, which he thinks is so funny! Of course Mommy is hoping for pink! 

Baby Timeline So Far:

• Found out we were pregnant 4/16
• First Appointment 4/29, 7 weeks, 1st Ultrasound
• Second Appointment 5/28, 11 weeks, 159 heart rate (that means girl!!)

1st Appointment Ultrasound 7 weeks, 4/29

Saying "See You Later" & Starting a New Adventure as "The Palmers"

A hard day to face as we had to say "see you later" until next time but excitement of the adventures ahead for the new Palmers. Brad and Shea left for a five day road trip to their new home in Georgia on Monday, April 8th. They will arrive in Georgia mid-day Friday and hopefully quickly find and settle into an apartment. 

We love you Palmers and will miss you in "our everyday" EVERYDAY but know that God's will has you in Georgia now and now we know why God created FaceTime!!

Family Facebook Posts:

Shellie Palmer: Saying "see you later" to my brother and his wife and driving back to Tucson tonight was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. Words can not describe how much I will miss you two as you begin your lives together in Georgia....But I find peace in the thought that the greatest journeys are not the ones that are easy, simple, and unchanging, but the ones that have some bends in the road where the characters are transformed. The greatest stories are the ones where people move, live into new experiences, and face conflict and change with courage.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this beautiful story unfolds. Love you two.— with Shea Nicole Palmer and Brad Palmer.

Summer Lien: Watching my little sister drive away, heading to GA, was so bittersweet! My heart is so sad knowing how much I will miss her but yet so happy for her as she begins this new journey with her amazing new husband. God has orchestrated this whole thing and I know He has great plans for the two of them!!...missing you already and love you both so much Shea Nicole Palmerand Brad Palmer xo

Terra Beyeler: Experiencing Shea meet, date and marry the love of her life has been an adventure already.. But watching Shea Nicole Palmer and Brad Palmer drive away in the Penske truck I know her adventures are just beginning. And I am trusting in God's will, good, right, and perfect will, for my little sister and all of us left behind. Thanking God for iPhones, FaceTime, blogging and Facebook! We love you Shea Nicole Palmer and Brad Palmer , have a fun road trip!

Taylor Wheeler: Hardest "see you later" I have ever said. I love you @sheaw and this is going to be the greatest journey and I know you have the greatest man! Have fun! And we will see you soon #georgiabound #newlyweds

Shea Palmer: Best sisters in the world... Leaving pieces of me in AZ

 

Easy & Fresh Quinoa Nachos

Quinoa Nachos

Make as much as you want to serve. 

Quinoa: Prepared per package and add...
yellow pepper - chopped
black beans - rinsed
sweet corn 

Pico de Gallo: Combine all ingredients
fresh grape tomatoes - chopped
green onion - chopped
cilantro - chopped
jalepeno - chopped
extra virgin olive oil
lime juice

Serve over chips with fresh avacado and feta cheese! 

Recipe adapted from here.

Creamy Chicken & Cranberry Almond Rice

Creamy Chicken & Cranberry Almond Rice

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves  
1/2 tsp. black pepper
3 chicken breasts, cut into small strips and pounded out
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. sliced almonds
3 green onions, sliced
1 package (6 oz.) long grain and wild rice, prepared as directed (or any kind of rice)
1 c. chicken broth
6 oz. cream cheese 

Directions:
Combine flour, thyme, and pepper in a ziploc baggie. Coat chicken in baggie. Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Place chicken in heated oil, cook 5 minutes each side until chicken cooked through and browned.  

Prepare rice. Combine prepared rice with cranberries, almonds, and green onion. Place in dish with lid to keep warm. Place cooked chicken over rice in covered dish. Reserve drippings in skillet. 

Add broth to skillet and stir with silicone whisk to break up browned bits on skillet. Add cream cheese, cook until melted and sauces thickens, stir constantly. Spoon sauce over chicken & rice. 

6 small servings - perfect for 4 adults

Beyeler Review:
This is a favorite recipe of ours and another great one for company. 

Recipe adapted from Kraft Foods.