Kitchen creations!

Some more delicious things from the Boal Kitchen! 

Sweet Curry Chicken Salad - "A Kaia Creation" 

Honey marinaded chicken with veggie kabobs - "A Steve Creation" 

Homemade pesto grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup - "A Kaia Creation" 

Grandma Irene

We had a really nice time in Iowa celebrating Grandma's life. It was comforting to be around so many family members who were inspired by her in so many ways. The funeral was beautiful, lots of great stories and it was fun to hear some of the poems Irene wrote. Although funerals are sad, they serve as a reminder that we are here for a reason, and only for a short time. 


Our job is to share God's love with those around us, to live in a way that is glorifying to him. So many take advantage of the life they are given, thinking they have time to figure things out, they will wait until they 'need' him, or until He fits into their 'busy' schedule.. Well the scary truth is none of us are promised another day. God want's us here for HIS purposes and his only. It makes me sad, scared and nervous that so many people may leave this world without him, and in turn, will not live in eternity with him. I wish every person I knew and even those I don't would take the time to consider the importance in fostering a relationship with Jesus. I am not claiming to be perfect in any way shape or form, I am very far from where I need to be, but it's a daily effort... a very worthwhile effort. 


I learned a lot from Irene in the short time that I knew her. I learned what it looked like to live sacrificially, to put others before myself, to be content with the circumstances God give's me and to live faithfully trusting in Him everyday. 


When my grandma died years ago I was blessed to inherit some of her jewelry, I love the vintage flare and knowing that she once wore them make them all the more special. 


Again, I was given a beautiful necklace Irene once wore. It is so 'Kaia' I couldn't believe it! I am excited to carry a piece of her with me and remember her each time I wear it! 

Loaf of the week!

Delicious AND nutritious Zucchini/Banana Bread! So moist, just enough sweetness and very very healthy! (Had to make up for the apple crumble bread...) Steve couldn't even tast the zucchini! 


Check out this healthiness: NO butter, NO oil, Whole wheat flour, only 1/4 cup brown sugar and some honey, 3 bananas, a whole zucchini, and hardly any salt! 

(caution: there are more ingredients, don't think this is it you will be mildly disappointed) 

What is better than Fresh zucchini/banana bread?! 

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zucchini/banana bread french toast!!! YUMMMMMMM!

*And watermelon of course, I think we are addicted...

State Fair Bound!

I have never gone to the State Fair on opening day, but Steve and I both had the afternoon off and thought it would be a nice way to get away from the chaos of life and eat our worries away :) Neither of us are big State Fair Goers but it was Thrifty Thursday, we were in dyer need to get out of the house and get some fresh air. So before we knew it we were on the transit and on our way to the fair!

Sadly we have become quite bad at taking pictures of everything we do... BUT we do have a few to prove we went.

A few of our favorite foodie traditions at the fair: (*note, we share everything... if we didn't that would be rather disgusting and we would be quite large)

- Pronto Pups: I don't know why, but they are so much better than a 'corn dog' maybe it's all in the name?
- Giant Turkey leg: mmm... succulent, juicy MEAT
- 1919 Rootbeer: Neither of us drink soda, ever, but we both salivate at the site of a Jumbo cup of ice cold 1919 rootbeer... holy goodness, why do you think we had kegs of it at our wedding?!
-  Roasted Corn: Huge probably chemically altered corn cobs with ginormous kernels that burst with buttery goodness when you bite into them.. can't NOT eat this!
- We usually split some kind of desserty thing, this year we were on our way to the deep fried candy bars... they are morbidly delicious to say the least, but luckily someone was looking out for us and plopped a delicious gelato stand right next door, Praise God we didn't go through with it! The Gelato was very delicious and probably life saving.
- Because of our adventurous spirits and love for food, we always like to try new things, see if you can guess what this years undertaking was...

Does the look on Steve's face give it away? 

These cute little fries came with our meal...

Any guesses yet? 

Boom! That's right. I don't know if I'd get it again, kind of tasted like overdone chicken.. but hey, we tried it.

Legacy

Last Friday morning my Grandma Boal passed away after battling some health issues. She was an incredible woman who loved God with all her heart. She had a joyful heart and a fun loving spirit and was always sending jokes along through email. She loved playing games and learning new things through out her life. Her fun loving spirit was with her to the end as she told my dad she looked forward to hugging a lion when she got to heaven.

She was always proud of her family and the people we are growing to be.

I am blessed to be part of an excellent family on all sides of my life. Grandma was a part of the legacy of faith in our family. She exemplified the values of Christ in her life. She was loving and looked for ways to care for others in all aspects of her life.This legacy has passed on to her kids and grandkids and even the great grandchild. We are all challenged to take the legacy and move forward.

Funerals are sad time as we mourn the loss of a persons presence in our life, but for those who are in Christ, they are also a time of joy celebrating the life of the believer and their union with Christ. Tears will be shed as family and friends unite to remember the life of Irene Boal, but there will also be smiles as we share stories about her. As I think about death and what the future holds, I am overcome with anticipation. That is not to say that I am hoping death comes soon, but I am looking forward to working along the path God has put me on. At church we have been working through Philippians and Paul writes about how life is for serving Christ and death is for being united with Christ. While I am here, there is work to be done. When God says, come home my son, it is time to go be with Daddy. These are all things to be excited for. The journey is filled with pot holes and stumbling blocks, but there will be a lot to sing praises about because God is there the whole way. Grandma knew this day would come, and she did not fear it. She worked her whole life and was taken home to be with her heavenly Father. I will miss her at our family gatherings, but I can't wait to see her again and have her show me the best lions to hug.

On Tuesday we celebrate the life of Irene Boal. We mourn her passing, but look forward to being reconnected with her again. God has put us here for a time to be of use to Him. Remember what is important in life and do not waste the moments you have.

6.25.2011

The day I started life with my best friend. A day to remember forever. I love you Stephen! You are my favorite person on the planet!




* There are sooooo many more photos, but too many to post. I just made a 160 page book with all our favorites (yes there was even more yet) hopefully at some point in time you will all have a chance to look through that! 

The age of social media

For those of you who into the whole social media scene, you'll love this. For those of you who aren't, well you will probably love this too!


BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!



I suppose I should start tweeting more often...

Up Up Up

This awesome band called Givers makes me so happy! They are so fun and dancy!

Laying Tile

It seems like it is my turn to take a jab at this family blog. My wife has been dominating the blissfully bountiful Boal blog so far it seems that I need to participate in this venture as well. Last week I started working with a friends uncle laying tile. This job is full of things I know absolutely nothing about, and so the learning curve has been quite steep. I have been enjoying myself and have been challenged each day to learn new skills. I must be doing something right because the other day my boss was talking about retiring someday and needing somebody to take over the business when he's gone. Not sure I am ready for that, but  I was encouraged that even though I make mistakes I am doing well enough that he would even think of that.

This job is a total answer to Kaia's and my prayers as window cleaning has been slow in August and she was laid off a few weeks ago. I do not know how long I will stay with it, but I think I will stay around long enough while I work on my Minnesota Teaching license. My time student teaching was a blast and confirmed for me my decision to venture into music education. I cannot wait to get into my own classroom and get to know my students. It was an adventure I cannot wait to be on again.

That is all I have to ramble about right now. I'll keep practicing and get back to you later.

the job...

I suppose you are all wondering WHERE I am actually working now... details details.

Well, the place is called Venture Photography:

A few things to know about them and the job

* First of all, they are NOTHING like Clix. I liked it there for awhile, but working with people who just thought photography was cool but really didn't know what they were doing with a camera made for a stressful environment.
* My position: Graphic Artist and Photo Editor
* They specialize in telling 'Your Story', they get to know their clients, and strive to bring out their personalities in their portraits.
* Their portraits are beautiful and artistic
* Their photographers are professionally trained in Europe for 3 months..

need I say more?

Here is some of their work:

A Prayer Answered

Well despite the test I was supposed to take to determine whether I'd get the job at the studio, they called today and offered me the position. 


There are a lot of emotions going through me right now, I'm excited, nervous, unsure. It is nice to know we'll have a little more income, but being in a 'store' again makes me a little apprehensive. 


There have been sooooo many changes and adjustments in the last few months, thinking about having to adjust to working nights and weekends again doesn't make me all that excited... 


BUT, regardless of those things, more then anything I feel blessed. God answered our prayers and provided us with jobs... granted they aren't exactly what either of us had in mind (when do God's plans line up with ours anyway?) they will get us through until He puts something else before us. We are thankful and will continue to live for Him and follow where he leads. 


I remind myself of what our friend Josh said just a week ago, - sometimes God puts us through all these obstacles and tests so that we can be ready for the amazing plan he has in store for us later. 


I truly believe that. 


Thank you all for all your prayers! 

NINJA OCTOPUS!

Steve and I watched this the other day! It's pretty much the coolest thing I have ever seen! 

Beth & Jacob

Unfortunately this weekend I wasn't able to take any photos since I was in the wedding.. Although I suppose I could have, people might have looked at me funny though.. but Ted posted these on Facebook today (not sure who took them) but thanks for sharing! 

Beth & Jacob - <>

Weddings!

Apparently this is the summer to get married! Not only are Steve and I basking in marriage bliss, but now Steve's sister has joined in and we still have 3 more weddings before the summer is over! It is exciting to see God pulling people together. This weekend was a beautiful testimony of God's love. Elizabeth and Jacobs wedding was their avenue to share the Gospel with those in their families who might not know Jesus. From the pastor's sermon right down to their bestie's speech's, I pray that peoples hearts were opened as they possibly heard God's truth for the first time.

Elizabeth and Jacob, you two are made for each other. I was honored to be a part of your special day and am so happy fot both of you. Keep the Lord at the center of your marriage and you will be just fine despite the curveballs life will inevitably throw at you. Know that you will always have family and friends to love and support you through everything.  

House wife

Steve is at work! He begins his new temporary life as a 'Tile Man' today, I can only hope he comes home with some mad skills. 


So.... here I am! Alllll by myself.... What is it that a "House Wife" is supposed to do anyway? 


Clean the bathrooms...

Make dinner....

Make the bed....

Hmmm, I'm ready to go back to work...

Do the dishes....

Vacuum....

OH! bake homemade bread of course! .... Everything just got much better :) 

We have quickly learned that an easy AND delicious way to save money is to bake bread from scratch. It's soo much tastier and much healthier (most of the time) Here is the Loaf of the Week! 


Brown Sugar-Apple bread with a crumble topping! YUM, yes this one isn't that healthy, although I DID use half whole wheat flour and I substituted half the oil for applesauce! Turned out pretty yummy if I do say so myself!

Who can say no to crumble topping!?

The Boal Cave

For those of you who don't know.. We live in a cave. A dark dark cave. We absolutely LOVE our home, everything about it is perfect for us, however not an hour goes by where we don't need a light on in order to see... Not only are we on the shaded side of the building. we are on the 1st floor which means we have the lovely overhangs of the decks above us, as well as a backyard full of pine trees.

HOWEVER, just the other day we saw a lovely yellow bobcat (no not the animal) driving through our backyard. Before we knew it there were chainsaws left and right and the three huge pine trees were gone!

Brighter in the backyard : YES

Brighter insde: NO.. DANG!

Spicy is an understatement

*Note to self: Roasting whole jalapenos and poblano peppers in the veggie mix is great and all.. but adding red pepper flakes MAY have crossed the line.. the SPICY chicken and *I forgot to note before SPICY roasted veggies were almost un-edible the next day! YIKES!

*I did say 'almost', we powered through it!

Kitchen creations!

One of our favorite things to do together is cook! We are both very adventurous.. (thank goodness steve has caught on... I don't know what i would do otherwise).. in the kitchen. Coming up with the menu for the week is always exciting and making the effort to try new things makes it even more adventurous.  


I remember being warned in marriage counseling that because both of us are very laid back the result would be two bafflingly indecisive people. Luckily things have started out more promisingly, in the kitchen at least. Thus far, we have both been ready and willing to try whatever is put before us! 


Here are a few of our kitchen creations!! Maybe someday we'll even share the recipes! :o 

Maple Rosemary Pork chop with mushrooms and rosemary potatoes - "A Stephen Creation" 

Cheddar bacon burgers with sautéed onions and mushrooms - "A Stephen Creation"  

Taco Chicken Bowls - "A Collaboration Creation"  

SPICY mozzarella stuffed chicken breaste with roasted veggies - "A Kaia Creation"

Vegan baked eggplant burger topped with roasted red pepper hummus - "A Kaia Creation"

What will next week bring?! You'll just have to wait and see! 

Blog Time!

Hey everyone! Steve and I thought this would be a fun way of keeping our family and friends in the loop with what is going on in our lives. My hope is to update this regularly so even those far away feel like they know us a little bit better! 


Quick update to get things rollin: Steve and I have now been married for just over a month! Things have been wonderful in many ways. We have enjoyed spending lots of time together, watching movies, going for walks, cooking meals and just having fun! Married life is glorious! Everything just fell into place and felt so natural right from the start! I feel so blessed to be doing life with my best friend! 


On another note, many of you know that I was laid off from my job just last week. Although somewhat expected, it was still sudden and definitely not easy.  With Steve not having a full time job I immediately felt anxious about what was ahead. I came home that day and rather than moping around, Steve and I went on a long beautiful walk at the giant park right by our home. God's creation is amazing and immediately put me at ease. I knew then that everything would be alright, I wasn't going to worry or stress out, but I chose to trust that God was in control of the whole situation. He doesn't do things without a reason, I believe he has plans for us, and really, all we can do is trust. A five letter word has a lot of weight doesn't it? Sometimes I think it would be great if I was in control of my life but it is very humbling to realize that I am not. 


That same night Steve got a phone call from a friend/worship pastor asking if he would be available to play bass at a church that weekend. Immediate answer to prayer! This is a church that Steve has wanted to get into the 'musician rotation' of so he obviously jumped at the opportunity. 


The next day he received and email with a job offer from a music lessons company he had interviewed with a couple weeks back. It isn't full time by any means but he'll be doing what he loves and it will be a great opportunity for him to grow as a music instructor.


On Saturday my parents and I went to one of the art festivals in town! Always a good time, but when I came across a certain booth I realized I may have been there for another reason. I was drawn to this booth because of the amazing and artistic portrait photography that was displayed. I started talking with the lady and one thing led to another. I told her about my experience doing portrait photography and my background in graphic design. Once I told her I just got laid off she got very excited and asked if I knew how to edit portraits because they were looking for someone part time. Anyway, we'll be praying about that, I have her name as well as the owners name. I'm expecting an email from them this week! 


THEN on Sunday night, a good friend of ours mentioned that his uncle (who does tiling) needed help for a few weeks. Of course I told him Steve was interested :). Before we even left church Steve's phone was ringing to set up a time to meet. He met with him today and was offered the job, NOT just for 3 weeks but for as long as he wants it! I'm excited to be married to a bathroom renovator :) haha. 


Whew, it's been a crazy week but it has been amazing to watch God work so fast. It's so clear that the less we rely on our own doing the more He is allowed to work. Thank you all for your prayers, I will keep you updated with what happens! 


"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11