tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46830463377088549772012-02-04T22:38:04.650-06:00My attempt at falling freely into the capable hands of God with RECKLESS TRUST in every aspect of my life. The ups, the downs, and the laughable moments in between.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.comBlogger591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-60407706789720852952012-01-30T20:37:00.000-06:002012-01-30T20:37:42.968-06:00

New Kari Jobe album on repeat, Americano in my hand, bible open at Cafe Milo. Especially loving this song lately: I'm hyped up on my quiet time (and previously mentioned americano) and wanted to share what the Lord pressed upon my heart. I started reading in Zephaniah tonight. Chapter 3 talks about the day of the Lord. How we can graze and lie down and not be afraid--because we are under the care

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-37650447419859757122012-01-07T18:07:00.002-06:002012-01-07T18:10:39.891-06:00

I love new things. The thrill of a new year. A new book. A new Bible. A new phone. A new job. New clothes. New car smell. As much as newness is wonderful, there's also a comfort in tradition. In perfectly worn-in jeans, my favorite dog-eared books. It's kind of a paradox. Beauty in old and new. I'm straddling the fence this January. I'm conflicted.I'm brimming with excitement to move forward and

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-38521114663649161742011-12-02T09:17:00.002-06:002011-12-02T09:17:00.957-06:00

I've recently become addicted to the show Parenthood. I adore it. The mish-mash of humor and serious issues plaguing families is wonderful.  One episode keeps coming to mind. The Grandpa/Grandma pair are going to marriage counseling - the Grandpa is given a line to use when he starts getting overbearing/controlling and hears himself going somewhere he shouldn't with his words. He's supposed to

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-80166548516438394502011-11-23T15:22:00.000-06:002011-11-23T15:22:25.941-06:00

My bad attitude ruined today's baking adventure.  The challenge: make one gluten free apple pie, one gluten/dairy/soy free cran-apple pie, and one normal pumpkin pie.  What I didn't think about before embarking on said adventure: pie crust ingredients=flour, water, butter or shortening (shortening has soy in it). In other words, I need to magically make a pie crust out of funky tasting flours and

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-2420738775705554612011-11-08T15:47:00.000-06:002011-11-08T15:47:06.828-06:00

I found this draft of a post I started from 7/10/2010I hate the cycle that I'm in My heart hurts. I just don't really know what to do with my life right now.That's all it was. I guess I couldn't quite get the words to come all the way out and didn't feel like that was sufficient to be a blog post. Funny how I found that today. I think that post is true today, kind of. I hate the cycle of

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-61104157293444923112011-10-31T08:24:00.007-05:002011-10-31T08:24:00.347-05:00

I'm in a Bible Study right now on the book Who I am in Christ by Neil T. Anderson. It has been an awesome way to dig into scripture and cling to truth.  Last week we watched the original cardboard testimonies video. The videos show the transformation from what the world or ourselves tell us versus who we are in Christ. Here's the original one: It reminded me of Easter Sunday at the Austin Stone

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-82252267074156756282011-10-29T12:15:00.004-05:002011-10-29T12:24:33.783-05:00

No really, I am. On multiple levels. I'm a hot mess because I'm a girl and I sweat a lot. By a lot, I mean that this discussion ACTUALLY happened last week between myself and the dapper Zachary Gilbert whilst sitting on the couch next to one another at Connection Group: Zachary: Anna, are you cold? (we were sitting next to an open window)Me: *snorts* um. no. I'm anything but cold. Zachary:

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-22832427261108098382011-10-10T09:05:00.015-05:002011-10-29T11:44:17.039-05:00

I started to write this post a few days ago, but just couldn't do it. I wasn't ready to commit to what I knew this would be about. My heart wasn't all in and it wasn't true. I have now been waiting just under 3 months for news about the job I applied for back in July. I've been posting a lot about the waiting process (a lot, okay- 2 posts. It seems like a lot in my blogging deficiencies). The

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-20523231968269712832011-10-10T00:43:00.000-05:002011-10-10T00:43:29.254-05:00

A Bridge in Madison County w/ Morgan Yes, that is my first Turkey Leg. Wedding happies with my friend Danielle Babysitting my cousin's kids...oh Iowa :) Wine? Yes please. Ever wonder what Jr High Ministry looks like? THIS! More wedding happies--my pledge daughter's wedding! More Community Group fun at a bridge Labor day weekend visit with my sister and her hubby

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-85131308206426139702011-09-28T10:03:00.013-05:002011-09-28T14:38:43.951-05:00

A few tidbits (okay maybe MORSELS is more accurate, these are kind of long) I thought I'd share from reading I've been doing lately. First is an excerpt from an excellent book that my friend Tori let me borrow called A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson.  Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence, It is not what we have to acquire in order

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-15047686304926339702011-09-27T16:32:00.001-05:002011-09-28T00:16:20.689-05:00

God has changed the attitude and posture of my heart in a dramatic way over the last week or two. The agony of waiting has lightened. He has been prodding my heart with His word. Declaring his faithfulness. Singing His love. Filling me with awe at His majesty. Beckoning me to rest at His feet. I started this blog the day I resigned from Hyatt when I lived in Austin, Texas. THAT was the day I

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-31405191466339280962011-09-23T18:13:00.004-05:002011-09-27T15:22:05.353-05:00

Some people say I'm over the top. THAT'S OKAY! I love fall. I'm not afraid to admit it. A simple pleasure of mine is baking and enjoying the season--so these first few weeks I've taken FULL ADVANTAGE! I've recently been dubbed the fall fairy (not sure if it was by me or by friends...I'll take it either way. Currently taking donations of wings, tutus, and other fairy-like apparel). Here are a few

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-72974281877152166492011-09-20T09:32:00.010-05:002011-09-20T13:55:32.935-05:00

We just started a new series at church on the book of Revelation. My friend Sarah and I were talking about what heaven will be like following connection group this past Sunday. Mid-sentence, I had a big whoa moment. I was thinking about the level of excitement I had in that dream/imagination state pondering aloud with Sarah about Heaven and the returning Savior. The euphoria and anticipation.

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-63107146465218659432011-09-14T15:29:00.003-05:002011-09-15T00:06:43.845-05:00

"There’s good news today: He has a plan! And his plan is good and his plan isn’t one-dimensional and finite like yours because all you can really do with your plan is figure out your best days. You can only control the things you can control. So not only can you not control outside influences, you don’t have any sort of capacity to control evil. But God’s plan is a good plan. God’s plan

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-49840801417233417602011-09-13T17:22:00.000-05:002011-09-13T17:22:05.180-05:00

I keep thinking I hit rock bottom, only to have another wrench thrown in my path. I called the company I interviewed with back again, only to hear that I would have to wait another two weeks. They're still doing the internal shuffle and don't have the position ready to fill yet. I just wanted to throw my phone against the wall! God is using this time to shatter my perception of being seemingly

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-57319654212140731342011-09-01T14:34:00.000-05:002011-09-01T14:34:34.493-05:00

The interview went well. Now I'm waiting. I got a callback to find out that the director of the division I'm interviewing into retired, thus setting off a string of promotions and transfers internally. I will likely have to interview again with the new boss since the original person I interviewed with will no longer be in that department. What does one do with excessive time on her hands?This

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-50002821106330861982011-08-14T01:10:00.003-05:002011-08-14T17:26:14.005-05:00

What better to rouse a sleeping blogger than a midnight snack? I agree, NOTHING! I just had this delicious concoction for the second time today because I couldn't imagine going to sleep without another bite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Spicy Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad with BACON 1 cup quinoa, uncooked 2 cups chicken stock (or water/veg stock) 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 1

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-362010091050508572011-07-30T20:48:00.000-05:002011-07-30T20:48:46.306-05:00

I keep starting posts, then stopping. I can't get the words to come out. I'm still alive. I'm a terrible blogger.I've been here and there, just not blogging. Since my last post I got engaged, traveled quite a bit, planned a wedding, subsequently broke my engagement, and now am applying for jobs and enjoying the end of summer. My life has been chaotic, to say the least.  I'm thankful that the God

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-19856828517351299562011-05-14T13:08:00.000-05:002011-05-14T13:08:03.047-05:00

Hello faithful readers. I'm jumping off another cliff again. You know, drastic life change? Yeah, I know. It's not normal to keep completely changing dreams and directions. YET I DO!  About a month ago, I was doing my usual job board trolling and saw a position posted for an Alumni Development position at Iowa State. The job got me SO EXCITED. Twenty times more excited than I've felt about

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-40407194201797311842011-04-17T09:35:00.001-05:002011-04-17T09:35:00.140-05:00

I had a friend tell me that he immediately thought of me when he saw this clip. He thought I should go watch it. Ouch. I watch the video...I score pretty high on the pride test. As much as my spirit flinched when I was told this test brought me to mind, I knew I would fail any test on pride.I don't want it to be an issue, but I know this is a huge struggle for me. CS Lewis has some great words

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-87381616827033611312011-04-14T14:15:00.000-05:002011-04-14T14:15:24.248-05:00

I was watching "The Time Traveler's Wife" on TV the other night. If you haven't seen the movie, the premise is that a man travels through time. It's the story of how his time travel impacts his family etc.  Sometimes he travels forwards or backwards, meeting himself and other people in his life at different stages of past or future. One thing that stuck out in the movie is the way the protagonist

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-26126819019926368512011-04-12T12:31:00.000-05:002011-04-12T12:31:12.532-05:00

My birthday came and went. It was hard this year -- not because of turning 25, but simply because it seemed unimportant. It was just another day of class, another day at home, another day with friends. There were amazing facebook wishes and high fives from a few random people in class that heard it was my birthday--but nothing that seemed special.  I think the blah of this year was partly

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-58092349877003658472011-03-24T18:05:00.000-05:002011-03-24T18:05:14.104-05:00

A year ago today, a friend of mine died from liver cancer. He was 23. My birthday is coming up. The big 2-5--A quarter of a century! As my heart ached today remembering Peder and what today represented, I started smiling. On earth we count birthdays. The trend is to agonize over the next year. Western cultures war against nature and *gasp* getting OLD. Each year we mark down one more year

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-10245254257548506612011-03-23T22:41:00.000-05:002011-03-23T22:41:18.471-05:00

I got to spend the last 3 days of my Spring Break in Austin, Texas for South by Southwest. I had been serving at a camp in Tyler, Texas for the first part of the week then got an invite to tag along to Austin for a weekend of music and fun with a friend that was also serving at the camp. He's way more into music (at least the kind that plays at SXSW) than I am, so he made the schedule of shows he

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-28116397927670792132011-03-08T23:41:00.000-06:002011-03-08T23:41:57.756-06:00

I have a Curriculum and Instruction class on Tuesdays and Thursdays that I really don't enjoy very much. My disdain for the course is largely due to a) the fact that the class is from 3:40-5PM b) the subject matter seems pointless/common sense and c) the frequent use of markers, games, and other elementary type activities often frustrates me. The other day we had the option to get 4% extra credit

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-64443817199138156132011-02-24T23:00:00.000-06:002011-02-24T23:00:29.736-06:00

Sorry I've been absent lately. School and life have kind of taken over. I wanted to share a few of the verses, thoughts, youtubes, quotes that have been impacting me. This is a random assortment of influences and thoughts, so bear with me.  We serve a big God.An awesome God.  A mighty God.A God that works through flawed people like you and me.And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-32693826570349107132011-02-15T11:19:00.000-06:002011-02-15T11:19:52.336-06:00

Hello friends. It's been almost a month. I survived round one of exams. I'm enjoying my classes (well, some of them). The being back in school thing is entertaining--most people think I'm a freshman. I think it's the long hair and being in mostly freshman/sophomore classes. The sophomores haven't seen me before so they assume I'm a freshman. I just take it as it is. The best was a standing by

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-9219580524276691492011-01-19T22:48:00.002-06:002011-01-19T22:52:02.712-06:00

I made chocolate cupcakes. I'm sharing the chocolate love with the recipe: 1 box Devil's Food cake mix 1 small box instant chocolate pudding 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup warm water (I USED COFFEE yummmmm) 4 eggs Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl on medium to medium high for 3 minutes. Batter will be thick. Divide into cupcake tins, should make 24 good

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-80100493887944210292011-01-18T23:53:00.000-06:002011-01-18T23:53:34.622-06:00

I am usually a peacemaker. I don't like conflict. I don't like dissension.  I'm at an interesting point in my life--a place of transition. Going from a completely independent and "successful" life immersed in deep community to a new city (town?). New church. New relationships. Going from saving and spending money to debt and wishlists. Feeling like a failure because I'm choosing change instead of

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-15004502436504082252011-01-09T22:49:00.001-06:002011-01-09T22:50:19.503-06:00

Well. I'm not REALLY a movie star. It just seems like it. Have you ever seen the movie Facing the Giants? I love that movie for a multitude of reasons.Who can resist a high school football thriller? It's a nice movie. No raunchiness. No crude language. It's a nice breather from the bleepity bleeping that I feel like happens so often. There are characters in the movie that remind me of people

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-61289830129356022922011-01-05T01:04:00.002-06:002011-01-19T00:50:13.705-06:00

I made some ridiculously amazing pumpkin muffins last week and had a hankering to make another quickbread--but alas, 1/3 of the muffin consumption in our house (aka my mom) has allergies to all things gluten, dairy and soy. I decided to just use a recipe that I've loved previously and doctor it to be allergy conscious.  Banana muffins that are allergy friendly and completely edible even if you

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-61252336824017408962011-01-03T01:38:00.001-06:002011-01-06T23:34:23.692-06:00

In case you missed it...my bro preached at Cornerstone on Sunday and it was amazing. Here's a link to the audio if you want to listen to it. He is a gifted and prophetic speaker. THANKS FOR PRAYING! Drew's TALK! Or the video version...

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-2172135053714759412011-01-01T23:49:00.002-06:002011-02-24T23:07:15.801-06:00

Meet my brother Drew. He's the guy that will make me an aunt this year when he and his wife get their two kids from Africa. I'm really pumped for them. He's preaching in "big church" at Cornerstone for the first time tomorrow at 10AM. Pray with me? For clarity, for confidence, for him to be used in a mighty way.

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-91180570269848784212010-12-31T17:21:00.003-06:002011-01-09T23:53:57.247-06:00

I saw a post from Elora a few days ago about 10 words that defined 2010. I loved it. I wasn't really planning to do my own, but it ended up writing itself while I was at Cafe Milo today with my journal and a delicious latte. community heartache transition death brokenness worship beauty revelation growth identity I expanded on each of the words, really thinking about what the year has been like.

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-84565220868449998862010-12-29T22:34:00.001-06:002010-12-29T22:38:24.588-06:00

My wonderful brother and his wife got me a subscription to Bon Appetit Magazine for part of my Christmas gift. I ADORE reading it cover to cover. The December issue arrived in all its glory with the shining beacon of CHOCOLATE on the cover called the Spiced Chocolate Torte Wrapped in Chocolate Ribbons. This is what dreams are made of:3 lbs of butter excessive quantities of dark chocolate sugar

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-37810077708804012802010-12-23T22:34:00.001-06:002010-12-23T23:11:15.644-06:00

The pondering stage has begun again. Some call it unemployment, I prefer to call it a life analysis and search process. As I wrestle with the different options before me, one thematic element sticks out. If you know me, this will seem obvious --- I LOVE to bake. I have this fear of doing it for a living. I'm afraid that it will ruin everything I love about it. But the question keeps coming up in

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-48053954260180614782010-11-16T09:31:00.000-06:002010-11-16T09:31:36.378-06:00

Late last week I was on the phone with my dad talking about the state of my heart and life. Just expressing my desire for more. My desire to come alive. My ache for something else. He prayed over me as the tears rolled, then we said our goodbyes. I was sitting in my little studio wondering: what now? Everything seemed trite. TV? Movie? Blogging? Prayer. That's what. God told me to stop looking

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-88777507012172043452010-11-15T10:26:00.002-06:002010-11-18T23:09:37.329-06:00

I have not loved my job.I no longer have said job.I never thought I'd be 'let go' and leave SMILING! Headed home to Iowa for a few weeks to decompress and ponder what's next for life. Leaning towards going back to school for middle school english education, high school guidance counseling or library science. Pretty sure I'm done with Corporate America for a while. Ready to have my soul come

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-59429124711760126642010-10-26T20:42:00.000-05:002010-10-26T20:42:46.588-05:00

I'm alive.Broken, but hopeful. Learning more daily about this large, bustling, and windy city.  Loving my new church Missio Dei and the community I'm growing in through it. Struggling to thrive at work.  Adoring fall and crunchy leaves. Baking all things pumpkin (Try this pumpkin bread -Add a tsp of vanilla and a tad more nutmeg) Enjoying being a regular at the farmer's market down the street -

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-15185276032544441192010-09-10T09:52:00.001-05:002010-09-10T11:04:40.031-05:00

A new aspect of my Chicago life is that I now have a 25-30 minute commute in the mornings and 30-40 minute commute in the evenings. Initially, I wasn't very excited about that idea. After only 4 days of the commute--I'm really starting to enjoy the time. My morning routine has already become somewhat therapeutic. I wake up, get ready, have my coffee pot on auto brew, drink my coffee and read a

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-58495649045919137732010-09-06T19:00:00.000-05:002010-09-06T19:00:36.646-05:00

I'm laughing at the fact that I titled my last post "jump". I definitely feel like I jumped and am now in the free-fall stomach hurtling stage of horror that ensues. The water or pillow or parachute hasn't quite come into effect yet...but I'm confident that it will.  I started my job two weeks ago. The job is insanely stressful and busy right now, but I think it will be good once I get going.

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-26665252540922303852010-08-21T18:23:00.002-05:002010-08-21T18:26:31.424-05:00

God is such an unpredictable and awesome creator. He uses us as he sees fit. BOY do I fight against His plan sometimes! I doubt. I wonder what THE HECK God is doing and why He allows what He does. So much has happened in the last few weeks where I haven't really wanted to see God in it--but undoubtedly,  He was there. From allergic reactions, emotional breakdowns in furniture stores, and road

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-12725666782749988212010-07-31T09:03:00.000-05:002010-07-31T09:03:08.593-05:00

Friends. Pray with me? The past week or so has been an absolute roller coaster of events and emotions. Highest of highs and lowest of lows. I'm feeling incredibly broken and am clinging to the truth of scripture. I'm singing and praying the Desert Song by Hillsong on repeat: This is my prayer in the desert When all that's within me feels dry This is my prayer in my hunger and need My God is the

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-4772341391770041802010-07-13T10:28:00.006-05:002010-07-13T11:38:55.280-05:00

Time at home and moving has meant lots of high qual bonding time con mi MADRE. She has some not so fun dietary restrictions that have opened my eyes to the challenges that people with food allergies face every time they want to cook or eat out at a restaurant. I've been attempting to bake things that my mom can eat. My mom's food qualms: Gluten, Dairy and Soy. One cookie success:Power / Energy

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-17448409966725597812010-07-12T18:57:00.002-05:002010-07-12T18:58:01.761-05:00

Two crazy ladies (if you didn't know...that me on the left and my mom on the right): One movie that served as our inspiration:Google search for "julia child boeuf bourguignon":Drool worthy smells all day long:Success: So stinking good. We may just have to introduce "Julia Child Appreciation Night" once a week! 

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-9511682283279585172010-07-12T13:25:00.001-05:002010-07-12T17:26:53.077-05:00

What have I been doing for the last week? We took a family vacation to Innsbrook, Missouri via homeaway.com. It was GREAT! Reading. Resting. Playing Cards. Eating (probably too much of this). Sitting by the lake. Swimming. Enjoying Family. Applying for jobs. I thought I'd take you on a tour of the literary adventure I went on during my vacation. I can't help but sing:Hunger Games and Catching

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-11798322100001024602010-06-30T10:15:00.005-05:002010-06-30T10:15:00.354-05:00

Batch one of Happy Iowa Things...this will be added to as I fall more in love with this season at home.   1. Hickory Park2. My crazy family (this picture is from Christmas 2008, but it depicts us perfectly) 3. Hammock4. Weather that allows for outdoor running at the end of June5. Strangers that compliment you (this has now happened three times since Saturday)6. Green grass that's great for

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-74556537915310182592010-06-28T19:27:00.000-05:002010-06-28T19:27:31.972-05:00

Want wow factor for your next girls night or family gathering?? Dying to put on a few extra pounds to "fill out" that perfect dress? Want your friends to drool and clap like newborns?? MAKE THIS CAKE! It's called Banana Cake with Mocha Frosting. Yes. Holy Cow. You had me at banana chocolate--then add the mocha ganache frosting and candied salted peanuts?? Life changing. I initially saw the

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-50757850843504653812010-06-27T17:28:00.000-05:002010-06-27T17:28:37.874-05:00

Iowa. Amish. Strangers. Corn. No Paycheck. Loneliness. Nausea.  Iowa. Family. Friends yet to be met. CORN! Funemployment, Communion with my Savior. Searing pain of missing friends.  I'm trying to change my view of the new normal that is my life. I didn't realize how numb I had become about leaving Austin until I was 5 minutes from my parent's house pulling off I-35 to Ames, Iowa. It was one of

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-47177625659075034062010-06-14T21:21:00.000-05:002010-06-14T21:21:54.822-05:00

Aren't insecurities funny? Something as awesome as being asked to write a guest post on my friend Elora's blog made me all nervous. I was like--she's an ENGLISH teacher. Her writing is PHENOMENAL. She's writing a book and it's SO AMAZING. Her blog has people all over the country reading it. Why would she want ME to write? But you know what? SHE DID! What an honor! And with the encouragement of my

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-80801791130420325492010-06-11T13:56:00.000-05:002010-06-11T13:56:03.876-05:00

hahahaha...this is so true for me. HAPPY FRIDAY, FRIENDS! via @http://thenextweb.com

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-88240101871208102522010-06-10T09:59:00.006-05:002010-06-15T09:08:03.150-05:00

I earned a comp day from our team production in May--and my last day is June 18th. SO, I had a whopping 10 work days to choose from to use my comp day. I decided on Wednesday the 9th. My day off was amazing. JUST what the doctor ordered. Spent the night at old school style with my friend Shaylee on Tuesday night. Woke up to summer rain pitter pattering on the roof.  No alarm set in the morning,

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-1447770778687489722010-06-06T22:54:00.006-05:002010-06-07T11:52:08.647-05:00

God has a funny way of boldly speaking to me through words and music. Tonight at I heard a rocking sermon by Halim Suh on Faith being birthed by God's call. He was teaching from Genesis comparing the life of Abraham and Sarah to humanity as a whole. Using the example of the barrenness of Sarah and original lack of faith by Abraham--and God's CALL to Abraham to believe. How when God speaks,

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-72710289317420873462010-06-05T11:20:00.000-05:002010-06-05T11:20:40.311-05:00

To my Austinites and to those reading from far far away, let me tell you: last night the foodies were OUT and we celebrated rightly.  Whether or you were aware, yesterday was National Doughnut Day. My co-workers and I formulated a plan to hit the town for dinner and doughnuts to properly acknowledge the day. We went to Gibson Bar and Gourdough's. Both places serve their food out of trailers (

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-36260906397132016642010-06-01T23:05:00.005-05:002010-06-02T10:56:34.663-05:00

the movie "How to train your Dragon" -THIS MOVIE IS EPIC! I loved it! My best friend was visiting from Minneapolis...we were planning to see another movie, but it was sold out. We "settled" for dragons. OH MAN-we were (okay, more me than steph) GIDDY with the film. It was so whimsical and fun. The soundtrack by John Powell is also very fabulous. Tons of soaring and flighty melodies. Do yourself a

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-18586368680125493462010-06-01T13:45:00.005-05:002010-06-01T16:56:03.593-05:00

I know I missed posting this on Memorial Day: To the soldiers still serving, to the fallen, to those yet to serve that will someday: THANK YOU! For protecting our country. For defending our freedom. For risking your lives. I am so grateful for all of you and for the amazing job you do. Dad--thanks for sharing this poem with me and the story of how it impacted you. For the full story of the poem.

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-53749928665297293482010-05-29T17:05:00.003-05:002010-06-01T16:31:45.393-05:00

Preparing to leave Austin is proving to be even more challenging that I was expecting. I have so many deep and amazing relationships here. I ADORE this city. I thrive in community with people that share big dreams with me. My first instinct is to pull away from everyone here. To tuck away in my apartment, finish my few weeks at work and just leave. Goodbyes are hard. Having to actually face the

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-66625958245479549282010-05-14T22:28:00.008-05:002011-04-20T13:46:02.601-05:00

The past few months have kind of felt like a bad tv drama. You know, the ones with SO much going on that you say THAT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO ONE PERSON! Jack Bauer, you can't possibly have been attacked and survived near fatal wounds in 173 zip codes in one hour of your 24 hour insane life. Only this manic depressive tv series is a reality show... it's real, and it's my life. Personal victories,

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-88879863792241149932010-05-11T22:09:00.005-05:002010-06-01T16:52:23.117-05:00

He is calling me to trust. Completely. Fully. Painfully. Freely. RECKLESSLY. And it's terrifying. I walk the tightrope between giddy excitement for what's to come and racking sobs fearing the reality of everything I'm leaving behind. Leaving Biblical community and authentic relationships complete with HARD accountability. Leaving job security with a great company. Leaving co workers that love

Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com3