from Daddy to his little girl: a video

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.—Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

life lately

* scrumptious cupcakes the neighbor brought over, welcoming us to the neighborhood 

* I've set up a few "baby stations" around the house! baby wipes, diapers, burp cloths, blankets, etc 

* I made these super simple curtains out of sheer material and burlap 

* love this hair piece I received from Anna from The Days When I'm Not A Nurse, so sweet of her! 

* a little Rummikub with the hubby 

* succulents at the farmers market 

* pool day with my pup, who may be half fish 

* 39 weeks! we're in the homestretch! 

Follow me on Instagram @rusticliving

Happy Monday folks!

the baby shower

A big thanks to my amazing family who put together such a lovely, beautiful baby shower for me and our little girl! It was the perfect day.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.—Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

in my hospital bag

Boy do I wish I could take my dog with me to the hospital. When times are stressful or difficult she is always by my side, so I think it should be the same when giving birth, right!? Maybe the hubby can sneak her in somehow. Anyways, here are some things that have definitely made it into my hospital bag: 

1. iPad. This baby is multipurpose! Relaxing music, pics of the baby, social media, etc.

2. Travel size toiletries. I found this little bag at Walmart for $5 and it has everything! Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, lotion, etc.

3. Peanut butter and cracker snacks

4. Cozy and easy on/off slippers

5. Cozy colorful socks

6. Tiny wallet for holding the little things: gum, loose change, hair elastics

7. Everything fits perfectly in this bag I received from my sister as a baby shower gift, complete with our little girls name!

8. My Boppy

9. Super soft blanket for the baby

10. Nursing cami (these are awesome!)

11. Going home outfit for baby

12. Tennis balls for much-needed back massages from the hubby during labor...and after

Other items in my bag not shown: big maxi pads (but really, who wants to see those?), loose-fitting sweats, camera and charged battery, nursing bra and pads, insurance information and ID, hat and socks for baby, change of clothes for the hubby.

Hopefully we at least got the important stuff! I don't want to practically take my entire house to the hospital but I don't think it hurts to be over-prepared either. 

Any moms notice something I may have forgotten?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.—Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Citrus Glazed Chicken Stiry Fry

Keeping it simple today with a delicious chicken stir fry recipe that the husband and I just LOVE. Give a try won't ya?

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Citrus Glazed Chicken Stir Fry

You'll Need:
1 tsp. oil
white or brown rice
1 lb of chicken breasts (sliced in narrow strips)
Variety of vegetables, your choice (I like red bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms)

Sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 Tbs. honey
2 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. corn starch

Whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside. Put oil on non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, stir fry the chicken until outside is cooked, add the sauce. Stir over heat for about 2 minutes until glaze forms. Cook vegetables over medium heat and some olive oil. Remove chicken from heat. Add to cooked vegetables and rice. Serve and enjoy!

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.—Galatians 5:25 (NIV)

freezer meals, 38 weeks, and a free movie

We had such a productive, fun-filled weekend!

Last week, Michael and I finished up our 4-week childbirth class. We received tons of great information and luckily I never walked out of there saying, "I had no idea! I can't do this!" I especially loved the tips we received for after you take baby home and the wonderful recovery process your body undergoes while running on very little sleep. Our teacher talked about how much she loved receiving freezer meals from family and friends. It took a big load off of her to not have to worry about dinner. It totally made sense to me and I immediately asked some family members if they wanted to have a freezer meal date over the weekend. We would tag team the work, split the meals, and I would have a stocked freezer just in time before this little girls arrives. On the menu: Chicken Pot Pie, Green Chili Burritos, Lasagna, BBQ Spareribs, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, and Pizza Calzones. Yum! All of these are either simple slow cooker meals or toss in the oven and bake. I'm hoping to have one more freezer meal date this next weekend so I'll be super stocked up.

Saturday night our town held a free movie at their local park. This is one of the many reasons we wanted to move to this town so badly. Community, family, and fun are high on their priority list. All summer long they will be showing movies in the park and you can bet we will be there!

Oh yeah, I'm 38 weeks! I'm feeling great, I honestly don't feel any different, but I'm really paying attention to my body for any sign that she may decide to come a bit early. Regardless, we will be holding a little one in our arms very soon!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.—Isaiah 40:28-29 (NIV)

the nursery

The ladder was a garage sale find

I found the mirror at Ross for just $20. The beautiful quilt was sewn by Michael's grandmother for our wedding.

Goodwill find for just $8! Just needed a coat of spray paint

Frames from the thrift store that I spray painted white! 

*these were mine when I was just a baby 

More items from the thrift store that I spray painted either pink or white 

I used to have this frame in my sewing room for holding scissors and measuring tape. After some spray paint and shabby chic fabric it's perfect for holding adorable things for our little girl. 

I painted this dresser a couple of years ago, it was an auction find. The lamp was a DIY project you can see here.

 Yep, our little girl even gets her own pink doorknob!

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Won't be long and a little girl will be occupying this adorable pink room. We can't wait!