The Olive Tree Community

Just to let anyone know who may be new to visiting this blog... it is officially closed. I recently tried to give it a makeover in an attempt to return, but there are just too many memories here that I am not ready to relive. I have tried to start a few other blogs over the months, but I am a tired and busy mama and have not had the time or energy to devote myself to any of them. Although I am not prepared to revisit these memories just yet, I don't want to completely forget them either... so, I am just leaving this blog where it is at for now. I will post an update in the future if I ever finally decide to start a new blog and stay with it for longer than a month. I miss the blogging community of friends that I found here. Even though I don't usually comment, I do occasionally check in on everyone when I have a chance. Hope you are all doing well. xoxo

Much love and many blessings,

Erin

Hey everyone. :)

I'm sorry, I know you probably think I just dropped off the face of the Earth! Just wanted to fill you in with a quick update as to why I have not had a chance to blog recently.

A week after I moved and got married, I started school full time online to get my Associates degree in Christian Ministry. I had no idea how much of my time it was going to require, but it has been completely consuming me. I just finished up my first 3 week long course and started a new class today, without a breather in between. I am so mentally exhausted, sigh.

I am desperately struggling to find balance in my life right now and unfortunately have had to put a few things on the back burner for a moment (including my blog) until I adjust to all of these changes. To be honest, when I'm not doing my school work, I don't want to be anywhere close to the computer, as I am spending so much time doing all of my assignments online. Even as I am writing this now my brain is thinking about APA guidelines, ha!

On top of trying to balance school with being a wife, a mommy, and a (neglectful) friend... our faith has been pushed to the limits recently. Nolan's job transfer fell through after a lengthy waiting period, we have had one problem after another with our new house (which is still filled with unpacked boxes), including lead paint and septic gas fumes, and we have also been struggling to adjust as a new family as we all live together for the first time. To add to the stress, over the past month we have become completely financially drained. As a result, it has brought us closer to our Father in Heaven, as we have been forced to depend completely on his grace and mercy, along with the generosity of others to help fill our humanly needs.

I feel this deep stirring inside my soul that I can not quite pinpoint, but I know that we are going through these tribulations for a reason. I feel as though we are being prepared for something to come. It has caused me to look at life and survival in a completely different light, and not take what we have for granted. Just as the birds in the sky do not worry about what they will eat or where they will sleep, neither should we. We are already taken care of and provided for.

And on an even more positive note...

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was so sweet and simple. Nolan's father married us at their house, with just immediate family present. His mom made finger food for afterward, my friend Jamie took our photographs as a gift, and I accessorized a dress I already owned and had never worn. Our total cost- $0. It was perfect and I so am crazy in love with this beautiful man. It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be our one month anniversary already. I am so blessed to have him not only in my life, but in my boys' lives as well. Although the adjustment has been difficult at times, he has been so incredible with them.

Also, although we have been put through many tested and trials recently, God has shown his love and devotion to us over and over again down to the smallest details. It is so good to have a husband who is so strong in his faith. When I am weak, he lifts me up. And when he is down, I help him stand his ground. As long as we keep God firmly rooted in the center of our marriage, I know that we can get through anything and everything together.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." ~ Romans 8:38

I hope and pray that you are all doing well. I will try to post some photos soon. I apologize that there is so much distance between us and that I have not been able to keep up with your lives... I miss writing and reading your blogs so badly, but right now I have to focus on my family and my school work. Hopefully I will find a way to balance everything eventually. In the meantime, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to transition.

Much love and many blessings,
Erin

I'm sorry... I know that I have been neglecting my blog. I have purposely been waiting to share any news until I know for sure the direction we're headed in. A few things have fallen into place, but we are still waiting in other areas. It has been a test in patience and faith. All I can do right now is continue to pray and wait upon God. Our life is in His hands and there is nothing more we can do but trust in Him.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11



I feel like I need to give you all something to tide you over while you wait on the edge of your seats in suspense. (As if you have nothing else better to do, ha!) So, I present to you... my bling! I promised Nolan I would show it off. ;)

Isn't it gorgeous??





XOXO, Erin

Please forgive me... I am really behind on my posts lately and they are a bit out of order. I have been so busy trying to keep up with life lately that I can barely find the time to document it. I want to continue sharing with family and friends what's going on in my life though, so I'm going to try my best to continue writing and posting photos! Plus, I want to have these words and memories written down for myself, and also to share with the boys when they get older... along with (hopefully) more children of our own one day. :)

Nolan came to stay a few weeks ago for several days. We had been apart for almost 4 months. It was so good to see him again in the flesh... to be able to look into his eyes, feel his hand in mine, watch his lips move while speaking, to see him interact with the boys... sigh, and now he is gone again and it's difficult looking at these photos. They bring a smile to my face and make my heart grow warm... but at the same time, it causes me to miss him even more. I know that the next time he returns it will be for good. He is moving back this summer, right before we get married. And even though time seems to be flying by and there are so many things to be done and put in order before his arrival, it aches so badly being apart from him again.

Thankfully I have been so busy that it helps distract me a little... I am still job searching, packing, homeschooling, researching schools for myself, going to family events and celebrations, trying to organize a garage sale, and of course planning an elopement ceremony and honeymoon... which has recently taken an interesting new twist. :) So, I'm sure he will be here again before I know it!

His visit here was not exactly as relaxing as we had hoped it to be. 2 days before he came back I got sick with a chest/ head cold and fever (which I am still trying to fight off. Can't seem to get rid of this cough and congestion.) So, I was a bit whiny and cranky and kept him awake thrashing around in a feverish coughing fit, while the boys fought over covers and kicked each other all night long. In between the sickness and exhaustion, we had a lot of activities planned including a David Gray concert (which was his Christmas gift to me) and also a trip back to our hometown for a whirlwind visit to see our families. With a 3 hour time difference, Nolan was also fighting jet lag... and we seemed to spend a lot of our time in the car. Oh, and the temperatures decided to drop from the 70's back down into the 40-50's right before his arrival... so the drastic change in weather was not helping my mood either.

Regardless of all those things, it was so worth the wait. The moment I saw him in the airport my heart began to race and I felt myself melt back into his arms again. After we got to the car he gave me a small box containing a promise ring, which fits me so beautifully. The next evening I finally got to get dressed up and go on a real date with my fiance. He endured the David Gray concert and lengthy encore out of love for me. (Not that he's hating on David or anything. It's just not his cup of tea, lol.) Although, honestly... just knowing he was sitting by my side, and being able to hold his hand was more than enough of a gift for me. Afterward we went to an old favorite place of his, shared a plate of pita bread and hummus and had a drink. Often I would feel envious of other couples going out together... and so it was nice that we finally had our moment together.

The next morning we got up early and went to church. It was the most amazing feeling having him by my side. Holding his hand as we walked up to take communion together... he is everything I have ever hoped and prayed for... sometimes I can't believe that he is real. To finally have someone in my life who shares my beliefs, my faith... and who wants to go to church with me. It was such a blessing to share that time with him and I am so happy he had a chance to meet some of my friends while there. After that we drove a couple hours back to our hometown where he met the boys for the first time (who had stayed with my mom the night before so we could go out), and also met my entire family... including my mom and step-dad, my dad and my step-mom, and my sister and brother-in-law. I know it had to have been so overwhelming and I was so proud of him for enduring it all. When we first got there he sat down with the boys at my mom's table and began to draw with them. It was such a good way to break the ice and for them to do something together that they all enjoy. The family introduction went really well and then we took the boys with us to visit his family, whom I have already spent time with on my own. His sister has two boys very close in age to mine, so they had a chance to play together again and it was so good just to finally be there with him!

The next couple of days were spent together with the boys. They took to him so naturally and it was really nice to watch them finally interacting with one another. We got back late that night, so the next morning Nolan let me stay in bed and drink coffee while he took them to breakfast in the dining room at the hotel. After that we went to look at the apartment together that we are planning to move to this summer. We drove around the neighborhood for a bit and showed my oldest where he will be going to school. They really liked the area and were happy that the apartment community had a large grassy area to play in and park close by. We took them to get sweet treats at a coffee shop and then went swimming at the indoor pool. The next morning we went to the playground for awhile, then had to take Nolan to the airport, and he shared another meal with them before saying goodbye.

I think what reassured me the most about his visit is that it was not perfect, it was not relaxing, and it was such a huge dose of reality. I know there are some people who have been concerned that we have been living in some sort of long-distance fairy tale la la land and that when our worlds finally collide in reality our dream bubbles were going to burst. But, I feel as though we have endured more than most people do in a very short time period. Long-distance relationships require an enormous amount of patience and devotion to one another. All you have are your words... your phone conversations, your e-mails... you are forced to share... to talk late into the night... there are not any distractions. We can't watch movies, eat dinner, go places, do things together... we are not distracted by any sort of physical interaction... so we have grown in other ways. Emotionally digging into our past, sharing stories and thoughts and feelings, praying together, searching together, growing together... and our time spent together is not taken for granted. This last visit was difficult and yet I feel it made our relationship even stronger than it was before. I know that if we can endure all that we have gone through so far, and with God in the center of our relationship... our marriage... our family... we can get through anything together. :)

To anyone who still reads my blog, thank you for taking the time to care enough about my life to continue following my journey. I am sorry that I am struggling to keep up with your lives lately. I look forward to not being in transition anymore and finally getting settled into a new routine and rhythm... it's just going to take time. I need you to know though how much I appreciate your patience and encouraging words. You have no idea how much they mean to me...

Much love and many blessings,
Erin

And now for your viewing and listening pleasure...a lengthy photo stream, which of course would not be complete without a David Gray video. :)

"Please forgive me if I act a little strange, for I know not what I do... feels like lightning running through my veins, every time I look at you."

I hope you all had a good weekend. :)

The boys went to stay with my mom, so while they were gone I went to Target to get them some goodies. Last year I made Resurrection day boxes, so this year I decided to do Resurrection evening bags. I read an article recently on chocolate slavery and it was so sad and eye opening. As a result, I decided to seek out slave free organic chocolate, along with some naturally sweet fruit treats. There is a good list of where to find it here. I was tempted to buy clone trooper helmet baskets, but in order to save money, I got inexpensive gift bags instead and filled them with recycled shredded paper. I also bought them new markers and pads of paper, which we go through very quickly! Of course they also got Easter treats from their Grammy, Stan, Papaw, and Lexi... which was really sweet of them, but enough to probably last until next year. :) They had such a good time with my family. They had an egg hunt and went bumper bowling with my mom, her fiance, and my sister and brother-in-law, and then to church with them this morning before coming back home this afternoon.

I spent yesterday catching up on e-mail and blog reading & writing and tried to get as much R&R as I could soak up. I have been battling bronchitis again for the past couple of weeks, and even though there were a million things I really needed to get done this weekend, I knew it was important to take some time to rest. I have been trying to fight this virus naturally and was able to get rid of my sore throat and sinus infection by taking silver biotic and gargling with apple cider vinegar. But this chest infection just won't see to go away, and my asthma has been really severe as a result, so I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and will probably have to treat it with antibiotics again. :(

I coughed and wheezed all through church this morning, but was so happy I made it through... they combined all 3 services into one this morning and met a conference center instead of at our normal location. I was running a few minutes behind, so I had to park really far away and take the shuttle (aka, daycare bus) over to the building, along with a few other people. It was so good to celebrate the rising of our Christ with my church family. It was a really unique service... they had artists painting during the Pastor's message and passed out coloring pages and crayons to the kids to create along with them in their seats. I couldn't help but wish the boys and Nolan were there with me, as I knew they would have enjoyed it. It was nice to see a couple close friends after the service for a few moments, and then I got back on the shuttle bus (as the only passenger aboard!) The new driver and I joked about how he was my own personal shuttle chauffeur and then I pretended to be on a safari expedition. I didn't see any wild animals on my way back to the car, but we did pick up another person along the way who was tired of walking too. :)

I have had this worship song in my heart all week and was so happy to hear and sing it this morning in church... my favorite lyrics of this song are, "Break my heart for what breaks yours"....



After I got home and had a late breakfast I felt kinda lazy about shuttling it (even though I think being sick and asthmatic is a good excuse!) but also, the weather was gorgeous today, so I decided to take a walk with my camera, soak up some sunshine, and capture the first buds and blossoms of Spring. I absolutely love this time of new growth and re-birth. The sun was so rejuvenating, and even though I was out of breath by the time I got home, it was good to get a little fresh air and exercise.

Not long after I got home, the boys returned and were excited to find goody bags on their beds. We had dinner and got caught up, they drew some pictures with their new markers, played outside for a bit, and are now fast asleep in bed.... sigh. Weekends always go by so fast. I am hoping to feel better very soon because I have a super busy weekend ahead of me coming up! My mom is getting married this Sat and then Sun we're going to my brother and and his wife's baby shower. My doctor's appointment isn't until the end of the week... so please pray a quick healing for me! I was planning to go to my woman's Bible study in the morning, but think I am going to stay home and rest. I am hoping the drastic change in temperatures begins to even out a bit and that this Spring is filled with renewed strength, energy, and health!

I always have to remind myself that as much pain and sickness and suffering we experience in our lives, it is NOTHING compared to what Jesus took on for us. I am so thankful that God has not only nailed our sins to the cross... but also, that through Him we have been promised new life! I pray that whatever it is you are going through right now, that God will heal and restore you. I am so blessed to have an amazing family and such good friends. I am so thankful for each of you. :)

Love and blessings,
Erin

Btw, I got my camera stuck in a weird setting... in case you're wondering why my pics are so slender. It's unstuck now though. :)

Oh, and just for your viewing pleasure... the peep version of one of my favorite shows, "Project Runway". Enjoy! :)

I have had a crush on Jamie Olive since I discovered his very first cookbook at the library many years ago. Admittedly, I only checked it out because I thought he was adorable. Since then, my fondness for him has blossomed into something much more mature, as I have watched him grow into an amazing husband, father, and health food advocate. What I love most about him is that he is not just talking the talk, but actually practices what he preaches, getting himself involved first hand in the lives of others. So, of course I was overjoyed to find out recently that he was getting his very own television show! With that being said, I got caught up in a "What not to Wear" Marathon while browsing Etsy for Wedding dresses last night and completely missed it this week! (I'm kicking myself right now. What kind of fan am I anyhow?! Lol.) Anyway, have any of you watched it yet? The reason I am so excited is that Jamie has been speaking out about these issues forever, but has only been able to reach a certain audience, so I am hoping this will open more eyes and ears to his incredibly important message, and that many lives will be changed in the process. If you are not familiar with him and/or are interested in checking out his website and show, you can find out more about Jamie Oliver here and here. Also, you can sigh his Food Revolution petition here. Thank you! :)

In my opinion, I think that a lot of people consume and feed their children unhealthy food because they don't know what the alternatives are, or they are afraid it will be too time consuming and costly. But, making healthy meals for yourself and your family does not have to be. You can still make nutritious food on a tight budget. There are a few initial costs involved though. I would highly suggest investing in a juicer, a rice cooker, and a wok or stir-fry pan. Most parents have a difficult time getting their children to eat enough veggies, and I do not agree with covering up the taste. It is so important that your children learn to love the taste of them, but there are some good ways to help ease them into the process. One way is through juicing....

There is a reason V8 splash and fusion are so popular... it is a way to get veggies in your diet with out actually eating them. But you can save money and get even more vitamins and nutrients through juicing, plus there are endless combinations! I started off first with apple, celery, and carrots. Once I got the boys drinking that on a regular basis, I started testing the waters a bit more. Now they are drinking kale, pineapple, spinach, lemon, etc. It is also so important to make it fun! I let the boys help me name the juice. So far we have had "Ninja Turtle Juice", "Jabba Slime" and "Incredible Hulk juice". (Can you tell I have 2 boys?)

It's also good to get your children into the habit of eating fruit as snacks and dessert instead of other unhealthy fillers. Often we have apple and carrot slices, celery and peanut butter, and bananas for snacks. Orange slices make a sweet dessert treat. :)

As for food... rice is so inexpensive and there are so many varieties.(My kids love Jasmine the best.)Having a rice cooker saves so much time and it always comes out perfectly! There are so many different things you can stir-fry up to top it with. I do mostly veggies, but you obviously also add tofu, veggie "chicken" strips, or even occasionally organic chicken, beef, or shrimp. I also love to add pineapple, agave, organic soy sauce, and freshly squeezed orange juice to stir-fry!

Another way to incorporate veggies into your child's meals is to make a dish that they love, such as mac-n-cheese ("Annie's" is a good brand) and throw in some peas, carrots, broccoli, red peppers, etc. My boys also love sweet potatoes with smart balance olive oil butter and agave. There are so many other things you can top it with... organic yogurt or shredded cheese, avocado, broccoli, etc. Let your imagination run wild and try different combination you may not have thought of before!

The best way though to get your kids to eat healthier is to get them involved in the process! My oldest loves making peanut butter, banana, and honey or agave sandwiches for himself and his younger brother. I also let them help me decide what goes into their juice and stir-fry creations. If they are allowed to give their input and feel included in the process, they are more likely to eat the end result. :)

The same goes for grocery food shopping. I know it's difficult as a busy parent to not rush through the grocery store. But make extra time once in awhile to let your children browse the produce section and ask questions about fruit and veggies they are unfamiliar with. You might learn something new as well. :)Farmers markets are also a fun afternoon outing for children and a good way to help them learn more about the importance of supporting local farmers. It is also good to take your kids to visit local farms, so they can understand the process of how much work goes into producing the food we consume. If you are blessed to have your own outdoor space and have room for a garden, they can get involved on a daily basic, and as a result will hopefully gain an amazing appreciation for the food on their plate. If you live in the suburbs or city and have a patio or balcony, you can still start a small potted garden or grow your own herbs. Or, if you're like me... I have a large yard now but will soon be moving into a place without ANY private outdoor space... I am hoping to get myself and my children involved in urban community gardening. So... no matter where you live there are always options! :)

I think the most important thing is having an AWARENESS of what you are buying and consuming. Don't just eat to fill your body. Take a moment and ask yourself if you feel you are being a good healthy example for your children and if there are any changes you can make in your life. One of the best ways we can show our children how much we love them is to take care of them and ourselves, so that we have more energy and life to share with one another!

Also, please remember that God gave us these magnificent bodies, and it is our responsibility to care for them. He also placed HIS children in OUR hands, and it is our responsibility to teach them to care for their little Holy temples as well. :)

1 Corinthians 6:19 ~ Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Eat, laugh, play, and enjoy!

Love and blessings,

Erin

It is raining this morning, but the weather this past week was absolutely beautiful! The sun felt so good after a long and cold winter. :) Just wanted to share some photos I took while we were outside enjoying it....
















hope you all had a good weekend!

XOXO, Erin