Seasonal storage

I love the change in seasons and changing out my seasonal decorations. I thought I would share how I store my decorations and the process I use as I decorate for the fall. I discovered these sterilite containers years ago when I was teaching and I have been hooked ever since. Unfortunately these particular sterilite containers are now discontinued, but there isn’t a shortage of choices out there. The only reason I am sad I can not get these same ones is it is so convenient to have them all the same so they stack well. It just makes my life simpler. I also love the simplicity of the way they look. And let’s face it; I am one of those people who really, really like everything to match! I will say that the key to this is that bins you choose to purchase should be the same if you wish your system to flexible, efficient and easy to organize. Since all my tubs are the same kind, I can switch, stack and restack with little effort. This is very helpful for a busy mom.

I am blessed to have a great storage room in my basement. I keep all of my seasonal decorations in this room. (I know not everyone has a storage room to place all their decorations in. That is why it is so great to have all the choices that are available now when it comes to storage: tubs designed to go under beds, stacked in a closet, or even stored in a garage. Just take a walk through your house, find the available space then go out and find the tub that meets your needs). I have a select number of tubs for each holiday. When it comes time to change out my decorations, I pull the tubs for that holiday and bring them upstairs to where I want to decorate. As I pull out each new decoration and find a place for it, I will often take down a current decoration/photo etc. I then place those items into the tub I just emptied until the fall season is over. When it comes time to take down the fall decorations, I will pull those items out of the tubs before returning all the fall decorations to their home. I feel taking down some of my current decorations helps the room not become overwhelmed with stuff.

Well, this is my process; I would love to hear yours. As I stated before there is no right or wrong way to organize, just the way that works best for you. Organization is often a trial and error thing. If something isn’t working for you change it. Ask friends and family what works for them and use the ones that fit your personality and style. I hope this helped you think about the way you store your seasonal decorations. Enjoy your Thursday!

Changing seasonal/sizes children’s clothes Part 2

I have tried many ways of organizing my girls’ clothes, in the dresser, hanging in the closet. . .and we have landed on stacking on shelves and using buckets. They work for me as well as my girls. In Abigail’s room we have great shelves in her closet so together we organize her closet in a way that makes sense to her. This time around we have stacks of jeans, pants without matching tops, sweat suits, long sleeve shirts, short sleeves shirts, matching outfits and pajamas. Her socks, underwear and tights are in buckets. It makes it easy to put laundry away as well as easy for her to see all the choices she has. I do help her at bedtime choose her outfit for the next day. We talk about the weather, what her school day is like and basically what she feels like wearing. This really works well for her. She gets up in the morning and gets dressed right away (I must admit this does not work for me or my other daughter. I have tried to put clothes out the night before, but I have realized I am definitely a “what kind of mood am I in today” person. Maddie has inherited that same trait from me).

Here is a peek into Abigail's closet:

In Maddie’s room I also stack her clothes in piles but I also have buckets under what was her diaper-changing table (we have not gotten rid of it yet-it’s great storage). Each bucket has a different clothes item: long sleeve shirts, pajamas, diapers/underwear, pants, sweat suits and socks/tights. She knows what is in each one as well as all the stacks in her closet. When it comes to getting dressed I pretty much let her choose what she would like to wear, but there are times I need to redirect as she chooses clothes that do not match. I have found that limiting her choices, since she likes to have more of a say, works better for her. So I routinely hide some of her clothes and then rotate them.

Here is a peek into Maddie's buckets and closet:

My hope is you will begin to look at organizing in the light of knowing there is more than one-way to do something. Sometimes you need to do trial and error to find out what works best for you. Ask friends and family how they do things and then after trying a few, choose the one that works best for you. . .but always remember if something is not working for you-try something else. There is no right or wrong way to organize. I think the secret to being organized is finding a system that works for you and your family.

Changing seasonal/sizes children's clothes Part 1

Today and tomorrow I thought I would share how I go about changing the seasonal/size clothes for my girls as well as how we organize them in their closets. I am blessed with a wonderful friend who hands down all her daughter’s clothes for my daughters to enjoy. So I have had to come up with a system of organizing and rotating all the clothes through both girls’ rooms. When I get the hand-me-downs, I place them in banker boxes (we bought a ton of these when we moved home from college years ago and I have held onto them in the garage and have not regretted it once. They are worth their weight in gold. We have moved three times with these boxes, moved a kindergarten classroom around at least 5 times and now they house my children’s clothes-a great investment!) I label the outside of the box with a post-it note with the size written on it. (This way I can use the boxes for more than one thing without writing and crossing out the labeling) See the photo below. I then store them in the closets of each girl. When it comes to a change in season or size, I go through the current clothes, donate/throw-out used and out-grown clothes and trade out the new ones (I obviously put the clothes Abigail has outgrown in a new box and place in Maddie’s closet since she is younger). I also keep a grocery bag in each closet to place out-grown items in if they happen to out-grow something mid-season. When the bag gets full I put it in the garage to donate.

Stacy asked a question yesterday about organizing borrowed clothes. While I haven't personally had to deal with this exact situation, I am always happy to give you my ideas of what I would have tried and hopefully it will work for you. I think the main concern with borrowing clothes is that you will be able to get them back to the right person. I would first organize the clothes by size and by person and place them in a bucket or box labeled with the name/size. Do not think about the season, because you really have no way of knowing what size will fit when on which child. When you borrow clothes there are bound to be items that won't fit your child in the right season mainly because you did not buy them for your child. When you are in need of a new outfit, go to the size box you need and pull out an outfit or two. If you have a good enough memory, you can keep in with all your other clothes, otherwise once you've worn and washed it put it right back in the correct box/bin. I would like to make one side note on this, while it is so nice when you get hand-me-downs or clothes to borrow the tendency is to want to use them all. Give yourself permission to only rotate a few outfits at a time. I found when my girls were little, I only bought a few outfits at a time. It is much easier to handle a small amount of clothes, especially when your kids are little. It is okay to leave borrowed/hand-me-down clothes in the original box and donate them or give them back when you are done. Life is stressful enough without feeling the guilt of wearing all the clothes that were given to you. I hope that helps. I would love to hear more ideas on how you organize your children's clothes. Please leave a comment so we can learn from you.

Tomorrow I will share how I organize my girl's clothes in their closets. I hope you have a great Tuesday!

A week of organizing/cleaning ideas: my philosophy

This week Barb asked me to share a little about fall organizing. As much as I really like organizing, I realized that I tend to do most of my major organizing/cleaning in the spring. So this week I thought I would just share a few of the systems/routines or tips I use when organizing. I will try to focus on fall-related projects. I am someone who loves a new tip or idea relating to organizing/cleaning, and I am always looking for better ways of doing things. My best systems change and grow with me as my life and priorities change with the girls. It will more than likely be a little random, but my hope is you can find one new idea to put into place in your home to make your life just a little bit easier.

Today I will share my basic philosophy about organizing. Something my mother taught me (through her example) that I am very grateful for-maintenance cleaning. I think this is why I hesitated when Barb asked me to share about fall organizing. I am not a once or twice a year organizer. When I see a problem arise, I deal with it right away. I pick up as I go so the mess never gets out of hand. I do a load or 2 of laundry everyday so I do not have to do all the laundry on one day. I do the dishes as I cook and right after dinner so they do not sit there and get even harder to clean. I think this is probably one of the most important things I hope to teach my daughters. Life is overwhelming enough and everything seems to be easier when done in small pieces. I will admit this requires a little bit more work on the front end for you as the mom, but it will pay off in the long run. When the kids are done playing with a game, make them put it away right after they are done before they get another game out. Yes, you have to check on them and hold them accountable, but before long you will see the benefits as they begin to pick up after themselves instead of you doing it for them. There is nothing more overwhelming than going into a room that has every toy and game strewn all over the floor. No one wants to play in there and no one wants to clean it up. The project seems too big.

So my tip for today is start looking around your house for things you can do right away to help maintain the order in your home. You will be surprised that most jobs you put off doing will take less than 5 minutes. Find a home for your things and put them back right when you are done using them. I know it may seem overwhelming in the beginning, but I think you will be surprised at how quickly it can become a habit. Happy maintaining!

Home Improvement...Try a New Recipe!

Here's another recipe to try out on your family. It is a fun, fall munchie:

GARLIC PRETZELS

Mix: 1 cup Orville Redenbacher popping oil
2 Tbsp garlic salt
1 Pkg Hidden Valley Original recipe salad dressing
Add to 2 bags of pretzel. Mix. Better if it sits a bit.

Enjoy a new recipe this weekend!

caramel apples

Another fall tradition at our house is making caramel apples. Yes, they are a little messy to make with little hands, but fun none-the-less. This year I discovered these caramel bits that make the process so much easier. No more unwrapping each caramel-yeah! Here are the ingredients I use:

12 small apples (I use Honeycrisp)

2 bags of caramel bits

2 Tbsp water

1 bag of peanut butter and milk chocolate chips

1 bag mini milk chocolate m&m’s

2 microwavable bowls (I used two bowls since I have two girls. They each had their own bowls to hold the apples over as they covered them with the caramel)

wax paper

Place the caramel bits in the bowl with 1 Tbsp of water. Melt caramel. It should only take a minute or 2 depending on the power of your microwave. I usually try 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each time.

While the caramel is melting, help your kids push the sticks into each apple. (sticks come in each packet of caramels)

Place wax paper onto a couple of plates to place the apples after they are ready.

Place m&m’s and other toppers in separate bowls to dip.

After the caramel is melted, have each child dip the apple in one at a time. (If you use a small narrow bowl it will be easier for them to dip). Once the apple is covered, hold the apple above the bowl and twirl a little to let the excess drop off. Next hand a topping to the child to add to their apple. They can set the apple directly into the topping and with their hands press the topping onto the sides. This is the messy part. Once the apple is covered, place on the wax paper. It is best if you can place them directly in the fridge to set-up, but most of us do not have the fridge space for that. As you can see by my apples below, the toppings are falling off but they still taste delicious, they just don’t look that perfect.

I hope you will find some time this fall to make these with your kids. . .or just for yourself. If you are a peanut butter lover, you have to try the ones with those chips-they are delicious! Enjoy!

chunky applesauce

I absolutely love the fall. I think one of my favorite things about the fall season has to be apples. I know you can get apples year round, I just think they taste just a little bit better during the fall. And of course, my favorite kind of apple, honeycrisp, just happens to only be available during the fall. So I guess it would be appropriate to share a few of my favorite apple recipes this week. Both are very easy to make and require little ingredients, but they are both delicious and really fun to make with kids. Today I am going to share my homemade chunky applesauce recipe with you. It is really one of those recipes you just throw together-not much measuring. Here are the ingredients you will need:

6-8 granny smith apples

Approx. ¼ cup water

Approx. ¼ cup cinnamon and sugar (I tend to use less and taste it as it is cooking, depending on the sweetest of the apples you can usually get away with less sugar)

(I apologize to those of you who like an exact amount-I promise this is a very forgiving recipe)

I peel the apples and cut them into bite size chunks. Next, I place them in the crock pot, sprinkle on the cinnamon and sugar and add the water. I turn the crock pot on low and let them simmer. It usually only takes a few hours to soften. I prefer chunky applesauce so I watch mine pretty closely. It doesn’t hurt to stir it a few times to get the cinnamon and sugar mixed around either. When it reaches the consistency you like, spoon into a fun dish and enjoy! The smell alone is worth trying this recipe.

Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Yeah Twins! What a great game tonight...the entire state of Minnesota was cheering on the Twins and now we're off to New York!

Here is a great and very easy recipe for fall - on game day or any day!

Shredded Beef
Buy one chuck roast (pretty big one - around $15). Cook roast uncovered in oven for 1 hr at 400 degrees. Refrigerate overnight. Slice thin in the morning. Put meat in crockpot. Mix 1pkg Good Seasons Italian Dressing and one pkg au juice mix and then add two cups of water. Pour over the roast in the crockpot. Cook 5-6 hours in crockpot. Toast Kaiser Rolls with butter and garlic salt right before serving. Enjoy!!

Game Day Goodies

Vikings play the Packers tonight...

Twins play the Tigers tomorrow...

What do you have cookin' for the big games?

Try this easy, tasty treat:

Corn Bread Pizza Wheels

1# ground beef
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (8ounces) tomato sauce
4 teaspoon chili powder
1 jar (4ounces) pimientos, drained
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained
1 cup ( 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cornmeal
2 tubes refrigerated corn bread twists (Sometimes I can't find these so I use the refrig. bread sticks)

Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and sour cream

Brown meat. Add beans, tomato sauce and chili powder. Simmer, uncovered, until liquid has evaporated.
Remove from heat; cool. Stir in pimientos, chilies and cheese. Set aside

Sprinkle 2 greased 14 in pizza pans with cornmeal. Pat corn bread dough into a 14 in circle on each pan. With a sharp knife, cut a 7-in "X" in the center of the dough. Cut another 7-in "X" to form eight pie-shaped wedges in the center.

Spoon filling around edge of dough. Fold points of dough over filling; tuck under ring and pinch to seal (filling will be visible and it will look like a pinwheel!)

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Fill center with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream when serving it.

It's pretty, festive and delicious.

response to comment. . .

Yesterday someone commented on my thoughts on chapter one so I thought I would post it today to clarify if anyone else had the same question. Anonymous asked:

Could you elaborate on "ones who have less?" This phrase makes me feel uncomfortable for some reason though I can't pinpoint why.

When I was referring to those with more and less I was using it in a broad sense to represent all the ways we as women compare ourselves to other women. We look at other women and what they “have” or “do not have” and compare ourselves to them (i.e. their house, whether they are married or not, whether they have a supportive husband, whether they have kids, whether their kids are good/bad. . .all our perception of those things). We also compare ourselves to other women’s strengths or weaknesses (what we perceive as either). We tend to think less of ourselves when we compare ourselves to others strengths, but we also can do the opposite and compare ourselves to others weaknesses to make us feel better about ourselves. Both are very destructive to the way we view ourselves. God designed us each with unique strengths, and the last thing we should be doing is comparing them to others strengths or tearing someone else down because of a weakness-we all have too many of those and would not like others to be judging us based on them. It is not our job to look at others and judge them based on our perceptions of their strengths and weaknesses. My main point was what a change we could have on our families if we spent more time looking at the way God made us and His design for our lives than looking around at others and what they seem to have or not have. I hope that helps clarify things for you a bit. . .thanks for the question.

My thoughts on chapter one. . .

There are so many parts in this first chapter that are worthy to be talked about, but I think the one I would most like to talk about today happens to be the same quote that Barb quoted on Monday.

If I live intentionally, being true to my own personality, serving out of my God-given giftedness and calling, I no longer feel a need to envy anyone else’s career, marriage, ministry, talents, or mission.

I think this quote could quite possibly change lives for the best if we women would actually put it into practice. I think one of the greatest tragedies with women in general is our unbelievable ability to compare ourselves to others (and I do not mean that in a good sense). One thing I have learned in my short life is that I can ALWAYS find a woman who has more than I do and one who has less. I think comparing myself either way is very dangerous and is not what God desires for me. Just think what could happen if we rejoiced with other women in their strengths and abilities while focusing on our own. We are all made in the image of God, designed by Him to use the gifts He gave us to ultimately glorify Him. When we compare ourselves to others we are basically telling God He made a mistake. When you think of that out loud you realize how really silly that sounds.

I challenge you to stop looking around at others and comparing yourself to them (either because they seem to more gifted or less gifted than you) and start focusing on all the gifts that God has given you. God has a purpose for you and your life alone-one that no other person can fulfill but you. Isn’t that amazing. . . isn’t that empowering? Put your trust in God. He did not make a mistake when he made you the way He did. Take your eyes off others and look up.

my thoughts. . .

I am obviously very excited about the book Barb chose for this year since it is about my theme. Before I share my thoughts on the first chapter, I thought I would share an experience I had this week that shows how I am trying to be aware of my theme on a daily basis.

Last week I had my regular yearly physical and the doctor discovered a lump on one of my breasts. She was not overly alarmed but referred me to a specialist to have it looked at and have a ultrasound. Truth be told I was not very worried since my mom has very cystic breasts and has had to have these exams for many years. I just figured I am to the age where they start looking more closely at these things. I was really fine up until when the specialist looked at the lump and said she wasn’t overly alarmed but would feel better if I had an ultrasound AND a mammogram. Okay, now I was worried. A mammogram at 37-it must be something bad. My doctor had only thought I would need an ultrasound, why was this doctor requesting a mammogram? As my mind went right to the worst possible scenario my first thought was if I am given x amount of days to live, how would I live those days? What, if anything, would I do differently from this moment forward? While the obvious would change-I would not clean my bathrooms again and I wouldn’t care how many bags of peanut butter M&Ms I’d consume, I thought to myself, I wouldn’t change much. I would more than likely have a better attitude toward my family and a lot more patience in my parenting, but I would continue being present and intentional as my role as a wife and mother. While I never want to give the impression that I have arrived and have no room for improvement (just ask my family and they’ll tell you I have a lot to learn) I do want others to know that I am a person who thinks about the choices I make on a daily basis and I own up to those choices. I don't ever want to make excuses for them. As I lay on that table, I felt a peace. A peace knowing that at this moment I was were God wanted me to be. He was helping me make the choices that lead me to be at peace. If I was given a short amount of time to live, I would spend that time with my family, doing the things I am doing right now. I believe that is what living an intentional life truly means. I am pleased to say that the Lord is not calling me home anytime soon (at least to my knowledge) and all the tests came back negative. It was a really good learning experience to help me once again focus on my theme to be intentional.

Again in no way am I saying that I have arrived. I have so much to learn when it comes to being the wife and mother God desires me to be, but I feel like I am on the right track. I do not have regrets. I want a life of no regrets. I want a life lived on purpose and life lived that if at any moment the Lord decides to call me home I can hold my head high and say, “Okay Lord, I’m ready. I have used the time you have given me on this earth to the best of my ability and as wisely as possible." I want to live a life with intention!

Announcing Our Newest Homemaker!!

Heidi had her baby!!

Audrey Lynn born September 29th. 8+ pounds, that's a big baby for little Heidi. More details to follow:)

Are You a People Pleaser?

You are either living your mission or you are living someone else's. Which shall it be? (Laurie Beth Jones, The Path)

Benefit #3, in living an Intentional Life, is to Concentrate on God's Idea for ME, not someone else's.

This perhaps was the biggest reason I began my search to be intentional years ago. Pleasing others and comparing myself to others was a constant struggle. Not until I began taking responsibility for my choices and behavior did I start to break free from this battle.

My self confidence increased as I made decisions I was ready to be responsible for.

The key reason for living intentionally is to glorify God by being the person He created me to be. By celebrating my uniqueness, I could let go of trying to conform to other people's standard and continually try to please them in areas where I wasn't gifted.

I thought that I would 'grow into' being intentional. That years of living would teach me how to live. It didn't. I had to embrace living intentionally and start doing just that.

Even as I write, I know there are areas in my life that need pruning and improvement. I still need to focus on being intentional, it never becomes second nature because life keeps changing. New people. New demands. New choices. New responsibilities.

This year in Homemakers we are focusing on The Intentional Woman. We'll share now and then what we are learning.

Join in, it may be your first step as an Intentional Woman.

Living Intentionally

Joan Webb, co-author of the book, The Intentional Woman, defines intentional living:

"If I live intentionally, being true to my own personality, serving out of my God-given giftedness and calling, I no longer feel a need to envy anyone else's career, marriage, ministry, talents, or mission."

Who wouldn't want to become an intentional woman when it is defined in such a way! What freedom comes from being an intentional woman.

Carol Travilla, the other author of this book spoke at a woman's conference at our church when my kids were little. I still remember the impact she had on me with the questions she asked. When I discovered she had written this book, I was excited to share it with Homemakers.

Living Intentionally means I am proactive in my habits and responses. I respond rather than react to life's circumstances because I have a clear focus on where I am going.

Four Benefits come from Living Intentionally:
1. Develop confidence and self-respect
2. Gain focus and direction
3. Concentrate on God's idea for me, not someone else's
4. Avoid burnout

It doesn't take long to see these benefits appear in my life when I am living intentionally. It is a discipline that I need to be aware of daily, however.

What benefit of intentional living interests me right now? I would say number 4.

Avoid burnout.

My life is full and I enjoy it all but to truly benefit from all that I have going on in my life right now, I need to be intentional in what I choose to do and what I let go. It has only increased my enjoyment of what I find myself doing.

Which benefit of Intentional Living interest you right now?

Daily Bread

My theme for the year is Daily Bread. How I have approached my theme has looked different in every season of this year. Early on in the year i met with the Lord and poured out my heart to Him when I found out I was expecting. This past summer I petitioned the Lord when I was tired and having a hard time keeping up with my son.

As I type today (with my left hand while holding my new, sweet baby girl with my right), and have two kids under one, Daily Bread has taken on a new meaning for me.

I need to meditate on Scripture and recall words of truth but HOW I do that varies each day. Some days it means sitting in the tub praying to the Lord and reading a devotional book. Other days it is praying as I feed, change and play with my little ones. Sometimes it means reciting the Scripture I have memorized. I'm trying to seek God in the quiet moments and cry out to Him in the 'not so quiet.'

I had no idea my theme would look so different in every season of the year - and every season of my life this year. But I am so thankful that God is faithful to meet me whenever and wherever.

Hope

My theme this year is hope and I find myself asking what I put my hope in. The security of my husband’s job, the health of those that I love, the appropriate development of my daughter? I am guilty of relying or hoping in all of these circumstances far more heavily than on the hope that the Bible talks about. All of these circumstances are good things BUT, when I am rooted solely on the security of these things I am setting myself up for extreme disappointment and discouragement when something goes wrong.

The Bible talks about putting my hope in the Lord for He does not disappoint. He is the firm foundation that does not shake when circumstances are not what I would like. This kind of hope is not merely crossing my fingers and hoping things turn out all right. This is a firmly rooted belief that God is in control and the only place worthy of all of my hope. This is the the kind of hope I want in my life.

Betsy's Theme

I began 2009 with a desire to be more intentional. That is my theme: be intentional. I know that I bit off more than I can chew with this particular theme (it is more like a life theme than a yearly theme), but it truly is one of my greatest desires. I am not sure where I heard it, but there is one quote I keep coming back to when I think of life choices: “the good is the enemy of the best!” I am a firm believer in this quote. I think one of Satan’s best deceptions is to keep all of us Christians doing good things so we are distracted from choosing/doing what is best. And I am no exception. I can get distracted with the best of them and more often than I would like to admit out loud. My hope was to be more intentional about my choices and how I use my time. I must admit this is a difficult process that I will only be able to scratch the surface of this year, but I feel like I’ve made a good start. I also believe I can only truly be intentional with God’s help. If left to my own I will turn on the TV and waste time doing this or that or I will be intentional for the wrong reasons.

Even though I agree that having a yearly theme to focus on is a good idea, I struggle with keeping my theme on the forefront of my mind. One day while out shopping I just happened upon a ring with the phrase “live with intention” etched in it. I have been wearing it on my finger ever since. I would actually love to do this every year. I feel like it is a constant reminder for me to be thinking about being intentional. I must admit at first it made me feel guilty about some things; should I really be spending my time running this errand or watching this TV program? I know that I could be doing better things. But slowly I am realizing that being intentional does not mean not being real. I think it is much better to say I am going to set aside this time on this night to watch this show than to just turn on the TV and flip through channels and waste twice as much time. It truly is what it says, be intentional. It has more to do with thinking through my decisions and choices instead of just letting life pass me by. I believe my life is made up of the choices I make and how I handle the choices of others. I have realized I have no control over others choices, but I do have control over mine. That is both a freeing feeling and an overwhelming one. My prayer as I finish out this year being focused on being intentional is that God will etch this on my heart so that my choices and ultimately my life will glorify Him. I am so glad that we have a gracious God and that He will walk with me through the choices I make and teach me how to be more intentional about them. I know that through His strength I can live a life with intention!

My Theme

I began 2009 with the intent to fill my mind with the Word of God. I was going to memorize Scripture. It seemed pretty straight forward...except I found I had to do alot of 'house-cleaning' before I could find a place to put God's Word in my mind.

I have spent the better part of the year 'bringing every thought into captivity' and clearing out baggage of self-talk, self-deception and lies.

Probably the most poignant thing I have learned about 'renewing my mind' this year goes way back to original sin.

A surprising element of Eve's interaction with the serpent is that he never urged her to DO anything. He simply asked her to THINK.

"Did God really say?"

Doubt was planted...and that was all it took for her to lose sight of who God was.

I wrestle with what comes first. Clearing out space for the Word of God in my mind or hiding God's Word in my heart when random thoughts and lies seem to distract me so easily?

I have found that God doesn't want me to 'hide His word in my heart' to be a better person. He doesn't want me to bring my thoughts into captivity so I can say I mastered my theme this year.

He wants me to renew my mind, whatever it takes, so it changes me. So I become more like Him.

Soren Kirkegaard said, "Our life always expresses the results of our dominant thoughts."

Everyday of 2009, I have had to evaluate my dominant thoughts. Everyday I have had to renew my mind. It's a process. It is supernatural.

2009 Theme

I have learned alot this year about myself because of my theme. I chose 'renewing my mind' as my theme in hopes of understanding what 'bringing every thought into captivity' means for everyday living.

I learned it is supernatural to be able to do this.

The average person speaks at approximately 200 words per minute but THINKS at more than 6 times that speed--1,300 words per minute. At this rate we produce approximately 45,000 thoughts per day according to an article written by David J Pollay.

45,000 thoughts per day...and the Bible says I am to bring EVERY thought into captivity (2 Cor 10:5)

I can't begin to RENEW my mind until I take stock in what I am thinking. This has been a real challenge for me this year.

Every year I think I will get a handle on my theme by the end of the year, only to find out I have just scratched the surface of the theme, but I have learned not to get discouraged. At least it has awaken me to new thoughts and insights each year.

Did you pick a theme for this year? Has it made a difference in your life?

Are you recording what you are learning?

Are you accountable to someone? Is your 'theme' measureable?

Finish out the year with a focus on what you want to learn about God and about yourself...it will help you define 2009.

Bonus**

Here's a Special Weekend Posting!

My husband and I watched a great DVD last night. It's not often we both think a movie is noteworthy.

Gifted Hands is the name of the movie. It is based on the life of Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon. I read his biography awhile back and this movie really captures alot of what he had to overcome in his life to become who he wanted to be.

Pay attention to the strong women in his life.

Let me know what you think when you watch it.

Home Improvement

This week we welcomed Stacy's new homemaker, Lauren Ruby as well as two contributing Homemakers, Betsy and Heidi! It was a random week on the blog but a good kick-off to our new season.

As we get into all different topics in the weeks to come, spend this weekend re-evaluating your kitchen. When I considered 'my favorite gadget' to share at Homemakers, I found several broken and unused utensils that I threw out. That made my search even more productive.

Clean a kitchen drawer this week.

Weed out your utensil crock.

Give away unused placemats, napkins or other items that have taken up space in a kitchen drawer.

Clean out your refrigerator.

Pack up your picnic tableware:(

If you still have energy, climb up and see what you are storing in those cupboards that are too high to reach.

While you are at it, figure out what your favorite kitchen tool is and share it with us!

Happy Homemaking

Our Favorite Kitchen Gadgets

Betsy:

I must admit I have a few favorite kitchen gadgets: my magic bullet, automatic ice maker, fridge smart containers, Kitchen Aid mixer. . .but the more I thought about the gadget I could not live without it would definitely have to be my kitchen scissors. As a mom of young kids my scissors are used numerous times a day for various reasons. I just used it to cut the crusts off toast for their breakfast. It can be used to cut sandwiches in half, french toast into strips for easy dunking; I even bring it with me to a local pizza place that has the best pizza with a tougher crust to cut. It is no match for the scissors. If truth be told I have 5 kitchen scissors so that if one is in the dishwasher I always have one available. I guess that should have tipped me off to my favorite-who has 5 of anything in their kitchen?

Our Favorite Kitchen Gadgets

Heidi:

My favorite kitchen gadget right now is without a doubt my knock off Magic Bullet from Target. Thanks to Betsy my world is now brighter. She introduced me to this brilliant invention on a scrap booking weekend in August. Every morning I am able to whip up a delicious strawberry-banana smoothie with as little effort as possible. All of the parts are dishwasher safe, which saves me the time of cleaning up. Honestly what could be better? It is good for my body and for my taste buds.

What's Your Favorite Kitchen Gadget?

My favorite kitchen gadget is Tupperware's Fridge Smarts. They come in different sizes and they keep fruits and vegetables FRESH forever!

Clean strawberries and slice them up and the berries are great on your breakfast cereal for over a week!

Lettuce stays crisp indefinitely.

Other berries don't get squishy.

Peppers don't get slimy. Cauliflower and broccoli will be good to use even a week later!

The tupperware has 2 holes that regulate the air that escapes from the container and that must be the secret. I don't know how it works, I just know I buy and clean alot more fruits and vegetables for my family since I discovered these keepers!

So what is your favorite kitchen gadget?

Introducing another homemaker

Betsy has been in our Homemakers with Hope group since the very beginning. She will be contributing to the blog on Wednesdays.


About Betsy:

I guess it is my turn to introduce myself. My name is Betsy and I absolutely love being a wife, mother and homemaker. My heart’s desire is to be the kind woman that God wants me to be. I have been married for 14 years to my very best friend, Jeff. I feel so blessed to be married to a man who truly makes me a better person. We have been blessed with two beautiful young girls, Abigail, age 8, and Maddie, age 3. Yes, there are 5 years between them by choice - as you get to know me you will realize that I am a very organized and planned person. As one of my friends stated after having my second daughter, “You were able to maintain order in your home while the rest of us had to let that go.” I think that sums it up pretty well. Besides organizing I also enjoy scrapbooking, entertaining, and going to the movies with Jeff.

One other thing that you should probably know is that I am not a fan of writing. I have no trouble talking and sharing my opinion; I am just not a writer. By the time you read this it will have been re-written 10 times and proofed by my husband at least 12 times. I am self-conscience about my writing so this will be a challenge for me, but I am confident that it will help me focus my thoughts and share my passions which is always a good thing.

I have been a Christian since a very young age, and my greatest desire is to have my everyday life reflect my relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to be a Christian who makes God look good - which is not always easy being an imperfect person. All I know is that a life without Jesus is something I cannot fathom. I look forward to seeing how God uses this to draw me closer to Him and His plan for my life. I hope that it will encourage and challenge you in your walk with Jesus as a wife, mother, homemaker. . .woman after God’s own heart. Thanks for joining me in this journey. . .happy homemaking!

Our Brand-New Homemaker...

Lauren Ruby May was born early Sunday morning 9/13/09!

She weighed 8#8oz and was 21 inches long

She has dark hair and blue eyes

Proud Parents: Stacy and Ryan!

Big Brother: Samuel

Stacy will post some pictures when she gets around to it. Thanks to all of you who prayed for Lauren's safe arrival and Stacy's endurance through labor. God is so good.

Home Improvement...Write It Down

So many women say they 'can't write', but actually all women write to some extent. Shopping lists, thank you cards, recording memories in albums or taking notes in church.

This year in Homemakers we are going to focus on our written words as well as our spoken words because I think it makes us think more succinctly when we put our thoughts on paper. If we measure our words when writing, we may measure our words when speaking.

A wise woman measures her words.

Wm Faulkner said, "I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written."

We discover ourselves in our writing.

This weekend for Home Improvement, discover alittle bit more about yourself.

As soon as you have an important thought, write it down. Even if it is on the back of a receipt, write it down. Later transfer that thought into a journal, your Bible or send it in a note. Share it on this blog or tell your husband.

You may find you don't have any thoughts that are worthy of writing down! No worries. If that is the case, spend a few minutes Sunday afternoon and send a thankyou note to someone. Just thank them for being in your life. It will be the start of expressing yourself in a very meaningful way and you will be blessing someone with your written words.

Introducing Another Homemaker

Heidi has been in our Homemakers with Hope group for four years. She will be contributing to the blog on Thursdays.

About Heidi:

I must admit ... I never imagined myself contributing to any blog, let alone a blog on a topic I myself am still trying to figure out! That said, because of my desire (emphasis on desire!) to avoid spiritual complacency, to be a loving and encouraging wife, and to be a nurturing mother ... I am willing to try my hand at it! Here's my attempt at welcoming you into my life ... I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have a beautiful little girl - and in a matter of a couple of weeks, that little girl will have a sister! Our family is quickly growing, and with two babies under the age of 2 ... life will be busy in our home! In my spare time I enjoy scrap booking, shopping, and dates with my husband. I truly believe that walking with the Lord is my greatest blessing and above all else I want my girls to see the joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus.

New Season

As we wait for Sweet Baby May to be born, we are continuing on with Homemakers with Hope and it's new season!

A group of young moms meet monthly to talk and learn about the whole gamet of relationships, homemaking skills, personal growth and our walk with the Lord. This will be our 8th year.

Some faces have changed but the content has continued to build on itself and we are still growing together as we build our homes. (Proverbs 14:1)

Anyone who lives anywhere with anyone can benefit from this blog! It means you are a homemaker, needing to have the support of others as to how to keep it all together and more importantly, how to get along with others in your lives.

Stacy and I have shared in this blog some of what goes on at our meetings, but this year we are going to be even more intentional in sharing with you.

Two more 'Homemakers' are going to be posting their thoughts and insights on this blog. I hope this will prompt interaction from readers.

As we stated in the purpose of this blog, "We'll provide affirmation, encouragement, and from time to time something that challenges you to pursue excellence."

Let us know what you are learning as you build your home. We are all in this together and the more we can encourage each other to 'stay the course' even when things are hard, the better it will be for all homes and families in America.

No News Yet!

We are still waiting to meet Sweet Baby Girl May! No action over the long weekend so we will see what this week brings.

Please keep Ryan and Stacy in your prayers. The doctor says they will schedule Stacy for induction next Tuesday 9/15 if she doesn't go into labor on her own. Ryan and Stacy really want to avoid that if possible.

Keep checking...hopefully, it will be soon. Thanks for all your notes, prayers and support for this new little miracle.

Home Improvement...New Tradition

Stacy, I don't think you will be planting bulbs with Samuel this weekend as you wait for your labor pains to start. Here's an idea you already have in place, just continue it for many years to come:

I once read about a woman who had six children. They were all in school, ranging from first to sixth grade. She said if she had it to do over again, she would say to each child the moment he awoke, from the very first day;

"You're terrific, You're marvelous, You're fantastic!"

She would say that every day, a hundred times a day, for six years.

Then, she said, maybe that child would be ready for first grade!

What a great way to improve any home this weekend and prepare all those babies for their first day of school in years to come!

Happy Labor Day to all and especially to Stacy:)

Hide and Seek

A great fall tradition to begin with little ones is to plant bulbs in the garden. Many bulbs are very hearty and makes this tradition almost fool-proof!

Buy a dozen bulbs, all the same or a mixture of daffodils, tulips or crocus'. Buy them now and wait until the weather becomes abit cooler. The nursery should be able to tell you when to plant them.

If your kids are old enough, take them out to the garden and dig up a small plat for them. If the kids are too young, try it yourself so you will be ready when they are!

Prepare the soil (these bulbs aren't too fussy!)

Plant the bulbs with the pointy side up.

Plant them in groups, rather than in a long line

Cover and wait for the long winter to begin. You will have a spring tradition just waiting for you!

fall traditions

Today is September 1st! Fall is just about here. In Minnesota the days are warm and sunny, the nights cool and crisp. A beautiful time of year!

Samuel isn't yet going to school, but in Minneapolis school starts today. I've been thinking about the day Samuel goes off to school....and hoping it's decades away!! Since school isn't yet a 'tradition' in our home, I am pondering what fall traditions we could implement in the next few years.

Decor around the home changes to fall colors. Little accents here and there remind me that the seasons are changing. My baking and cooking changes as I want to pull out my apple crisp, apple bars and soup recipes that have been tucked away for some time.

But I would love to create one or two fall traditions with kids that we could do as a family this month. Next month will be pumpkins, but for now, any ideas or suggestions on celebrating and acknowledging the change of seasons?

I'd love to hear what your family did growing up or what you do now to mark the passing of summer and welcoming fall with open arms! Please share!

Coupon clipping

I have never been a big one for coupon clipping, but I do try. Especially with formula and diapers these days. Those items get quite expensive!

And I can only imagine the cost of feeding a family....it's worth the time to clip coupons.

A friend told me about an online coupon site yesterday. She isn't tight on money, but she said, "Why wouldn't I print coupons and use them to save us money?"

It's called coupons.com

Looks like there are plenty to choose from!

SAVE MONEY!

Here's a website I've heard good things about:www.pocketyourdollars.com

It is a neat inter-active site that answers your questions as well as helps you save money.

I am not sure if you can use the coupons if you are outside the Twin City area, but it might be worth a try!

Happy Shopping!

Home Improvement...Check your Priorities

Just this morning, I had to reorganize my priorities when my husband asked me if I would go golfing. His buddy canceled on him. He had the tee time and he was looking forward to a good round.

I was looking forward to a morning to myself.

But my husband had asked me to go golfing.

I have learned to have the word 'sure' on my lips for times like this. I have learned that I will enjoy myself once I am out on the course. I have learned that Dean and I need to capture time together like this...so I have learned to say 'sure'.

I know it sounds selfish that I wouldn't jump at the chance to go golfing with my husband, but last minute invitations usually mean that I have to say 'no' to alot of other plans. That is hard for me to do.

Re-organizing my priorities is a very common exercise for me. Interruptions seem to be an everyday occurrence.

Learning to be flexible and re-organize my priorities has made me good.

Today I was flexible but today my interruption was a game of golf with my husband. Other days my interruptions might not be so fun. If I hesitate to drop everything when my husband asks me to go golfing, you know I have had to work on being flexible for the not-so-fun interruptions.

It's not only moms with small children that need to be flexible and mindful of their priorities.

Any woman who wants to be good...to be better, must work on flexibility and her ability to re-adjust her priorities as needed.

Mothering is full of lessons!

I am less than three weeks from my due date and there is one thing I know: I have a lot to learn about what makes a mom good or what makes a good mom.

I believe our society will tell us one thing, our friends might tell us another, books might offer another perspective, Biblical truth yet another.

I feel I have so much to learn about being a mom! Not just a mom of one, but now of two. I love to observe my friends and learn from what I see them saying and doing. I also learn what I don't want to say and do.

Mothering is a role that keeps me on my toes...all day, every day. I often ask God for the strength, energy, grace and patience to be the mom that Samuel needs.

Because what Samuel needs in a mom is different than what Sophia needs, or Maddie needs, or Natalie needs, or Noah needs, etc, etc.

It's so difficult not to compare my role as a mom to my friends. I can learn from them...and ask them for their advice and opinion, but it's an ongoing lesson for me to realize that what my child needs is me - not me trying to copy how my friend parents.

That's a lesson I'm continually learning.

Good Moms

This fall in Homemakers with Hope we are going to be talking about what makes a mom good.

Is that different from what makes a good mom?

What would you say makes a mom good?

Moms have a difficult time doing what they really want to do because they spend their day doing things for others. Everything and everyone takes priority.

Moms who are good realize that. Stacy is realizing that as she prepares for child#2.

She sees that taking care of business now will allow her family that much more enjoyment and comfort in the long run.

Moms who are good know they need to continuously reorganize their priorities.

A Big Distraction!

Stacy is expecting her second baby any day now. The due date is Sept 7, but the doctor said she is ready to go as soon as her little one signals she's ready to come forth:)

Our blog is abit side-lined because of the impending birth. Stacy is busy getting all the last minute tasks done as well as continue to mother 10 month old Samuel.

Be patience with us. We will resume with more consistent postings but for now just keep enjoying the random postings.

Anyone want to guess the day, date and time of this new little miracle? What name would you give her?

Home Improvement...Choose Wisely

I read an article in the paper this week about 2 sisters in a dispute over a lottery ticket. One sister won $500,000. Years before the 2 sisters had typed up a 4-line agreement which said that they would share in any future winnings from lottery, cards, or bingo. They actually had the agreement notarized.

They used to gamble together frequently, play the same numbers and play the slots. They used to share everything.

Along the way, the two had a disagreement. They haven't spoken to each other since 2004.

The sister who didn't win the $500,000 had her attorney contact the winning sister and demanded half of the money.

The article said the suing sister didn't want to drag her sister into court but she believes she is due a share of the money. "I miss her so much, and I love her...but all I want is what is rightfully mine. All I want is my share, nothing more."

As I read this article, I thought of what I posted earlier in the week...the exercise of listing what we have in our lives that we truly LOVE. I was referring to 'stuff' but this article was a sad reminder that often we can love 'stuff' or 'money to buy stuff' more than we love the people in our lives if we aren't careful with our choices.

For Home Improvement this week, just review the exercises from this week's postings. Realize that to become a wise woman we must be wise in our choices as well as in our actions.

If wisdom comes with age, these 2 sisters should be quite wise...the younger sister that is suing is 83...her older sister is 87.

This article is a great example that growing older sure happens alot easier than growing wiser!

What Are You Maintaining?

Are you too busy being a janitor to your stuff to take time to identify what you really love? It took me awhile to realize how much stuff I have that I just move around and dust.

Have I acquired too much of a good thing?

While raising my kids, I added to my possessions thinking I was building my home. Looking back, I wished I had asked myself some key questions:

Am I willing to maintain all this stuff?

Is my space becoming crowded?

Does my stuff give me daily enjoyment?

Do my kids get daily enjoyment from their stuff?

Are they willing to spend time and energy to care for their stuff?

Do I ever feel I have too much 'stuff' around?

Asking key questions rather than nagging my kids to clean their rooms may have been more profitable. If they could truly show me that they loved and maintained their stuff, I could have backed off abit.

Idealistic? Perhaps, but I think too much of life is just maintenance.

I am living lighter these days. I am trying to surround myself with stuff I truly love.

Try it in your home and see if you don't love the freedom it brings.

A Blessing or a Burden?

Frank Lloyd Wright said:

"Many wealthy people are little more than the janitors of their possessions!"

Frank Lloyd Wright was an architect with very modern designs. His homes didn't avail themselves to alot of 'clutter'. He used sleek lines and open spaces.

Nowadays I don't think we have to be wealthy to be janitors of our possessions. The mini-storage business is a new phenomenon for this generation and it is a booming business. We can even own a home with sleek lines and open spaces and still collect stuff!
The self-storage industry grew from about 289 million square feet in 1984 to nearly 2.2 billion square feet by the end of 2007, according to the Self Storage Association.
We pay to store our stuff!

Without looking around your home, make a list this week of all the things you truly LOVE in your daily life.

Then categorize them:

Clothes
Furniture
Accessories
House
Pets
Garden/yard
Car
Appliances

Is the maintenance of all this stuff a blessing or a burden?

Home Improvement - literally!

These days Ryan and I are working on some house projects. We are finishing our attic (painting, carpet, and a little sheetrocking, mudding, taping, etc.), getting new windows and we had to buy a new storm door for the front of our house.

In all these decisions we are weighing time, money, and quality. Some projects we are doing ourselves to save money. Some we are asking friends and family for help. Some we are hiring contractors to get them done quickly (hopefully before baby girl arrives in about 5 weeks!).

As we look at our options, I have been talking with Ryan's parents and trying to determine what is best for our family, what is good quality, what is economical and what would be best for resale.

There are so many things to consider!

We don't plan on moving anytime soon. But I am also not naive enough to think we'll be in this house until our kids are grown (not sure the kitchen has room enough for the food it will take to feed multiple teenagers :).

I find it stressful and tiring to call contractors, get estimates, weigh our options and then hire someone. It is so time consuming...and it's emotionally draining.

But at the same time, trying to do all this ourselves is stressful and time consuming. We are not exactly home project people!

I want to do what is best for resale, but I also want to make decisions in the best interest of our family. I want to create a space that we love, will be comfortable in and will use because it is to our liking. I desire good quality, without choosing the most expensive options.

I'm asking the Lord to give us wisdom and unity in our decision-making, to help move these projects along quickly and for peace regardless of whether or not this all gets completed in time for our new baby.

It's times like these that I am reminded that clear communication is essential in a marriage relationship. I am reminded that our money is not our own - God is the one providing for us, for our family and for our home. I am reminded that it takes time, work, and energy to make a house a home. I am reminded of Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."

Home Improvement...Learn to be Present

The Bible gives good instruction on how to be present in the moment. How to really live for today:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

It's simple truth: There is a time for everything...Everything changes

When I realized that my young son would be chattering in my ear for just a few short years, I embraced that time and began to listen. I began to be present in the moment.

For home improvement this weekend, ponder this truth...everything changes; live in the moment this weekend and learn.

Be Present

Before you can 'show up' in your kids' lives, you first have to 'be present'.

When our first born, Ryan was about 4 years old, he developed into a very talkative little guy. He could win the hearts of everyone because he had something to say to everyone. His bright smile and large vocabulary encouraged everyone to stop and hear him out. At the bank, the grocery store, church and family gatherings, Ryan was a hit!

At home, however, he was like a broken record...talk, talk, talk! It didn't take me long to figure out that I could 'pretend' to listen to him while I actually was planning my week's menu, mentally reorganized my closet or rehearsed a request I wanted to ask my husband that evening.

That was fine with Ryan. As long as I smiled occasionally, nodded my head or gave a grunt, he assumed his words were heard.

I developed some bad habits by doing that. I began tuning out my husband. I began fakng it with my young daughter. I was creating a whole world within my head in order to get through the day without all the chattering and interruptions knocking me off track.

Thankfully, the error of this 'perfect plan' was revealed to me when questions starting coming from my young son. Questions that needed answers. He wasn't going to let me grunt or nod. He wanted my presence...all of it.

I think God designed my first born to be such a talker to teach me this lesson. I was home with my kids, but often not present. Thankfully, God nudged me to change my ways.

I thought about that this weekend as I pondered the impact of 'showing up' at Dan's graduation. I wondered if 'showing up' as a mom would really mean anything if I hadn't learned to be present along the way. To listen. To pay attention. To know what was important to my child. To notice what I was learning in the process.

Be present today in the lives of your loved ones. Only then will it matter if you 'show up'.

The Importance of Showing Up

My husband and I had differing views about visiting our son this past weekend. He was 'graduating' from the Army's Officers Boot Camp in San Antonio, Tx. Dean wanted to see the ceremony. He wanted to compare the Army base and all its components to the Marine base he had served in years ago.

He wanted to encourage Dan in this area of his life as he knew from experience the road Dan was stepping onto.

As much as I wanted to see our son and celebrate this achievement, I also considered the economy and our business and put in my 2 cents that perhaps we should re-consider going.

But Dean found some reasonable airline tickets, rented a car and received bonus points for a hotel from our other son, Ryan, so we made plans to go.

The morning of our flight I saw an article by Ada Alden in our neighborhood newspaper. She is a guest columnist from time to time. She also was an instructor in the 'Mommy and Me' program that I took our 2 oldest kids to when they were preschoolers. She had great influence in my parenting then, and as I read her article, she influenced me once again!

The title of her column was, "The Importance of Showing Up". Her life lesson in this column was simple and direct, "I believe there is great value in showing up and being present. Take time to be with those you cherish...snatch now the moments--moments matter."

Those words echoed in my ears all weekend. As we saw the vast acres of the base, walked the dry, hot fields where PT training was evaluated, shopped the commissary and showed my ID over and over again, I began to once again see the value in 'showing up'. Those moments gave me a glimpse of what Dan's life as a soldier was like.

Somewhere along the line, parenting changes. It becomes more a matter of spending time with those you love and cherish.

"Showing up" is what teaches you about the people you love.

'Showing up' is what you get to do as a parent.

Why Read?

Wow, if Stacy didn't give you enough reasons yesterday to start reading, here is one more!

I heard a speaker say once that the reason he read books was that it gave him HOPE. I didn't really understand the full depth of that until I took a serious look at what I was reading.

That has been a guideline for me as I choose books. Do they give me HOPE? Or are they just taking up my time?

Fiction books can give me hope as long as they have a storyline that is uplifting. Books that are based on values that I am trying to follow. I am reading one this summer that is thought-provoking yet hopeful. Glittering Images, by Susan Howatch is about a young clergyman who puts forth a wonderful image in his ministry, but is haunted by who he really is. I am not finished with it yet, but so far, it is a book that bring me hope as I wrestle with the main character and his quest for authenticity.

Biographies are wonderful books that can implant hope to the reader. But not all biographies do that! I have begun reading biographies only to stop reading them as they offer no hope. They are just talking about a person's life with no direction or hope woven within the lines. It was all about the person, but little more.

Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place and Elizabeth Elliot's Through Gates of Splendor are two exceptional picks for summer reading.

the organic God by Margaret Feinberg is just plain HOPEFUL!

Become a woman of HOPE by reading books that build that HOPE within you.

Summer reading

Are you reading any good books this summer? My usual reading selection has pretty much been replaced by books on sleeping, eating, schedules, pregnancy, etc, etc. Not to mention my daily readings of Curious George and the Hungry Catepillar when my little guy is snuggled in my lap and we're rocking together.

But I have managed to squeeze in some fun, relaxing summer reading as well. I hope you have too!

In case you think reading 'isn't your thing,' here are some benefits to developing consistent reading habits (taken from inewsindia.com):

Reading is an active mental process: Unlike sitting in front of the idiot box (TV), reading makes you use your brain. While reading you would be forced to reason out many things which are unfamiliar to you. In this process you would use the grey cells of your brain to think and become smarter.

Reading improves your vocabulary: Remember in elementary school when you learned how to infer the meaning of one word by reading the context of the other words in the sentence? You get the same benefit from book reading. While reading books, especially challenging ones, you will find yourself exposed to many new words you wouldn’t be otherwise.

Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places of the world: How would you know about the life of people in Mexico if you don’t read about it? Reading gives you an insight into the diversity of ethnicity of people, their customs, their lifestyles etc. You become more aware about the different places and the code of conduct in those places.

Improves concentration and focus: It requires you to focus on what you are reading for long periods. Unlike magazines, Internet posts or e-Mails that might contain small chunks of information, books tell the whole story. Since you must concentrate in order to read, like a muscle, you will get better at concentration.

Builds self-esteem: The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become. With more knowledge comes more confidence. More confidence builds self-esteem. So it’s a chain reaction. Since you are so well read, people look to you for answers. Your feelings about yourself can only get better.

Improves memory: Many studies show if you don’t use your memory, you lose it. Crossword puzzles are an example of a word game that staves off Alzheimer’s. Reading, although not a game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way. Reading requires remembering details, facts and figures and in literature, plot lines, themes and characters.

Improves your discipline: Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who schedules book reading time every day? Very few… That’s why adding book reading to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline.

Improves creativity: Reading about diversity of life and exposing yourself to new ideas and more information helps to develop the creative side of the brain as it imbibes innovation into your thinking process.

You always have something to talk about: Have you ever found yourself in an embarrassing situation where you didn’t have anything to talk about? Did you hate yourself for making a fool of yourself? Do you want a remedy for this? It’s simple. Start reading. Reading widens your horizon of information. You’ll always have something to talk about. You can discuss various plots in the novels you read, you can discuss the stuff you are learning in the business books you are reading as well. The possibilities of sharing become endless.

Reduces boredom: One of the rules I have is if I am feeling bored, I will pick up a book and start reading. What I’ve found by sticking to this is that I become interested in the book’s subject and stop being bored. I mean, if you’re bored anyway, you might as well be reading a good book, right?

I hope a few of those points encourage you to continue reading or challenge you to start today. Grab a book, head for the great outdoors (or cool AC), and enjoy the printed word.

Have you read a good book this summer? If so, please share!

Home Improvement...Don't Forget Your Vegetables!

Have a great dinner with my recipes this weekend!

Grill some chicken that has been marinated in the sauce

Make the Late-summer salad...so good!

Indulge in the S'mores, but only after you've had your vegetables:

Grilled Potato Fans

6 medium baking potatoes
2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

With a sharp knife, make cuts 1/2 inch apart in each potato, leaving slices attached at the bottom. Fan the potatoes slightly. Place each on a piece of heavy-duty foil. Insert onion and butter between potato slices. Sprinkle with celery, salt, oregano, garlic powder and pepper. Fold foil around potatoes and seal tightly. Grill, covered over medium-hot heat for 40-45 minutes or until tender.

Tasty Grillin'

This recipe was given to me by my friend, Debbie who LOVES GOOD food. She very discriminating! Her husband loves to grill. He has 2 charcoal grills and one gas grill and is always trying something new. They love this marinade, so don't discount it because it is easy. It is great!

EASIEST barbecue sauce for chicken:

12 oz bottle of Red Devil Cayenne

8 oz Italian Dressing

That's it!! Put in ziplock bag and add chicken breast. Marinade overnight.

S'mores!

I tried these easy bars on the 4th of July and they were much easier than roasting s'mores over the firepit! Very chocolate and good...

S'mores Bars

8 to 10 whole graham crackers
1 pkg fudge brownie mix (13x9 inch pan size)
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup chopped peanuts

Arrange graham crackers in a single layer in a greased 9x13 pan. Prepare the brownie batter according to package directions. Spread over crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with marshmallows, chocolate chips and peanuts. Bake 5 minutes longer or until marshmallows are slightly puffed and golden brown. (I had to leave mine in oven longer than 5 minutes to get the marshmallows to turn a golden brown). Cool on a wire rack before cutting. About 2 dozen.

Yum!

Summer Treats

If you only make one salad this summer, make this one! It is scrumptious. Heidi brought it to our last Homemakers meeting this spring, and I have been making it for all my summer celebrations. I am not sure why it is called a 'late' summer salad but just try it, you will love it!

Heidi's Late Summer Salad

1 head romaine lettuce

1 cup fancy shredded swiss cheese

¼ cup craisins

1 cup cashews(salted)

1 apple, diced (gala)

1 pear, diced



dressing: (make earlier to marinate)



½ cup sugar

2 tsp minced onion flakes

½ tsp salt

1 Tbsp poppy seeds

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 tsp dijan mustard

2/3 cup vegetable oil

The role of marriage in parenting

I was listening to a couple authors recently who were discussing the role marriage in parenting. What they had to say was pretty profound:

"The strength of the parent/child relationship is dependent on the quality of the husband/wife relationship. You might always strive to be a sacrificial mother, but you will never be a better mom than what you are as a wife."

Did you get that? The quality of the mother/child relationship is dependent on the quality of the husband/wife relationship.

The two go hand in hand! I can try to be a great mom, but if my relationship with Ryan is lacking, so will my relationship with my kids. Kids need to know that their parents are in love and committed to one another. They need to feel it. They need to see it.

The authors went on to say, "When you put the husband/wife relationship on the back burner in the name of good parenting, the kids will ask - how are mommy and daddy doing? They need to know parents love each other."

This is exactly what I needed to hear. As I get ready to enter into a season of chaos and business with two little ones, I want to make sure my marriage is not put on the back burner. My time and energy will not be evenly split, but I can still strive to make sure my marriage is first priority...and that I am a great wife so I can be a great mom!

The Ebb and Flow of Marriage

I haven't seen any episodes of Jon and Kate, but I've seen the headlines about their unhappy home life. Too bad there can't be one reality show that shows the tough times but then goes on to show how to resolve those hurdles.

I agree with Stacy, that a husband and wife need to fight to keep their relationship solid before pouring their efforts into the kids.

Experts say that marriages go through cycles of hot and cool phases. I've seen that to be true in my 38 years of marriage. It doesn't mean I turn tail and run during the cool times, it means I pay MORE attention to bring variety and interest back into the relationship as hard as that may be.

The cool phases can be potentially deadly for a marriage if problems aren't addressed. Bad habits can set in which will rob any relationship of laughter, love and have total disregard for each other. It's a slippery slope to watch for.

John Gottman is a marriage expert and psychology professor who says there are 4 indicators of imminent danger in marriages. He predicts that a marriage has a 94% chance of divorce if these 4 indicators are present and not dealt with:

1. Complaining
2. Defensiveness
3. Contempt
4. Withdrawal

What a great show Jon and Kate could have if they identified these indicators in their marriage and showed how a couple could work through the issues to reach a deeper understanding and love for one another. It can be done, but the common belief is that "it just wasn't meant to be, if it takes that much work."

When we have to work hard for something, we appreciate it more. We see it's value and it becomes precious and worthwhile. Marriages were intended to last a lifetime, despite what Kate might think. It is in the context of marriage that we can become all that God meant us to be...a child of God, wife, mom, friend and so much more. It takes a lifetime to do this.

Marriage lessons

If you are a TLC fan I'm sure you are aware of the recent announcement that Jon and Kate (from Jon and Kate plus 8) are getting divorced.

I read an article featuring their family this week and it brought about a mixture of emotions in me: sadness, disappointment, anger, disbelief.

Yet, it is a situation that I feel I can learn from and that will spur me on to strengthen my own marriage.

This will not be a Kate-bashing session, but I want to share a few things that she said in this article that I disagree with.

I think what I struggle the most with are comments like these from Kate: "As always, my first priority remains our children."

Bottom line: I believe your first priority needs to be your marriage. 1 kid or 8 kids, your husband needs to be in first place and decisions need to be made that clearly communicate that your marriage is top priority.

Kate commented that there was no defining moment when she realized her marriage was broken. It was event after event that happened when she realized that Jon was not the person she married. Their goals, dreams and ideas don't match up anymore.

It would be sad to me if the person you married was the same person 10 years later. I am not who I was 10 years ago. Ryan is not who he was either. We've changed, matured, grew, sinned, gotten older (and heavier!) and experienced the joys and trials of life.... But we've made it a point to grow and change together. And in order for our dreams, goals and ideas to match up, our marriage has to be first. Otherwise how will a husband and wife have the time and energy to talk and discuss their dreams and goals? Because those change over time as well. If your marriage is not your number one relationship in your life, I have no idea how one can be certain that goals, dreams and ideas will be the same.

"I think for the past 10 years I was operating under the belief that marriage is forever. So I exhausted myself trying to do everything and make everything okay, when maybe it just couldn't."

This quote made me sad because God intended for marriage to be forever. I am sure Kate exhausted herself in many ways because the reality is that trying to raise 8 kids is exhausting....and when you give your husband the leftovers, I can only imagine how draining that would be. In no way will I claim to understand the challenges of raising 8 children, but I do know that you operate in your marriage based on one of two attitudes: that marriage is temporary or it is forever. If you believe it is forever, your actions will line up with that belief.

I don't mean to be overly critical toward Kate. She has been in the spotlight and now her private life is on display for everyone to discuss.

But I wanted to share my perspective about marriage and make this a place to talk about things I disagree with in our society.

Do you have an opinion on this topic or situation? Has it taught you a lesson in your own personal life? Please share, we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Home Improvement...Leaving a Legacy

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Reflect on the legacy of faith that our founding fathers built this country on.

Share with someone this weekend, one freedom that you are most grateful for that you have because you live in America.

Thank God for that freedom.

Leaving a Legacy...

If I handed you a banana, what would you expect to get when you peeled back the skin?

A peach? A tomato? An apple?

A banana, of course!

What would others expect to get if they peeled back your skin and could see your heart?

Love? Anger? Jealousy? Peace? Animosity?

Whatever others may find beneath your surface is probably what you will leave behind as your legacy.

The woman of integrity walks securely,
but the woman who takes crooked paths will be found out...
(Proverbs 10:9...I inserted 'woman' for 'man')

The woman who is the same inside and out can walk securely...the woman who takes crooked paths must have something to hide because the verse says she 'will be found out.'

I have 'legacy' written next to this verse in my Bible. It is a reminder to me that I want to live a consistent life...that there isn't something that will be 'found out' about me that will negate who I want to become.

A wise woman who builds her house will have many people looking in to see what she is building. She is in the perfect place to make sure she is constructing a life and a home that is genuine and pure before God...and others.

Then those who follow after will have a straight path to follow.