We closed on our new home today. The boys said the first thing they want to do when we move in is take a bath.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Amish Chicken with Sauce
Very yummy and fairly simple recipe that was approved by the whole family!
Amish Chicken with Sauce
4 chicken breasts, in bone with skin
1 cup of flour
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
2 teaspoons of paprika
1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups of water
Combine dry ingredients. Dip the chicken breasts into the flour mixture and place skin side up in a casserole dish.
Mix the heavy whipping cream and water.
Pour over the chicken breast.
Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for an hour.
Take the tin foil off and continue baking for 30 minutes until the skin is brown and the chicken is cooked through.
This is the original recipe but I thought the gravy was too thin. The next time I make it, I will decrease the water to 1 cup and see if that makes a difference.
You can find the original recipe at food.com under Amish Chicken.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Smoother, Softer Legs
Are you looking for smoother, softer legs? Do your legs have layers of dry, flaky skin from this harsh winter?
One trip to the shower will leave your legs feeling like you went to a spa! (It is really, really fabulous.) Plus, you probably already have all the ingredients in your home. No expensive spa trip here!
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of baby oil
3 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Mix the ingredients in a jar.
At the start of your shower, scoop approximately 2 Tbl. out with your fingers and rub all over your legs. Use more if needed.
Leave the exfoliating goop on your legs for 5 min. Then, shave your legs with your favorite razor. Rinse.
O.H. M.Y. G.O.O.D.N.E.S.S.
This stuff is amazing!
I was sharing my utter excitement with hubby (poor guy, see what he has to put up with?) and he said that his legs were really dry, too. I offered to share, but he declined. Something about loosing his man card. I don't agree but whatever. :-)
The mixture separated for me but I was able to mix it while scooping out what I needed.
You can find the original recipe, variations, and much prettier pictures here: One Good Thing by Jillee
February Marriage Goal, Day 19
Don't let the clock fool you. I just forgot to take a picture when I first woke up this morning. Foggy morning brain.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
February Goals- February 23, 2014
FEBRUARY 2014 GOALS
My prayer for the month of February...
God, help me to walk close to You, hear Your direction and be confident in You.
A LOVING FAMILY
Get up with husband on the days he works.
It's going so well!
Have tea time with the boys.
Did this three times.
A PEACEFUL HOME
Organize Bedroom and Laundry Room
A HEALTHIER PERSON
No eating after 7:00 p.m. and no fried foods.
I ate 6 french fries yesterday. (Being honest.) Plus, I snacked twice after seven this week. :-(
Read Psalms
Psalms 41-62
Pray for clarity in my choices and confidence in God's direction.
Pray for peace that I am where God wants me to be.
ON TRACK WITH FINANCES
GIVING OF OURSELVES
Make muffins with the boys and take it to an elderly neighbor.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Simply Thursday
A giant ice wave about ten yards out on frozen Lake Michigan. My husband, our two sons and I got to walk on the lake before any melting began.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
A Woman Who Fears the Lord #20
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
A Study of Proverbs 31
Verse 29
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
This verse is a continuation of verse 28. Our friend Mrs. Proverbs' hubby is telling her this. He is telling her that out of all the women out there, she is the most awesome.
The most awesome woman ever?
I mean, she surpasses ALL of the many women who do noble things.
Before we all go start playing the comparison game, let's think about what the rest of the bible says about comparison.
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:4-5
"The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." Romans 14:3
Proverbs 31:29 is not telling us to try to surpass every woman out there. Comparison is a slippery slope and it's been my experience that someone always loses.
Thoughts become habits and habits become character.
Here's what I believe this verse is telling me.
I am the best wife for my husband.
With God's love and guidance, I will continue to grow in character.
As my character grows stronger, I am able to bless those around me.
My community, my friends, my family, my children and my husband.
It doesn't really matter if my neighbor down the street keeps her house cleaner than mine and it doesn't really matter if I keep my house cleaner than yours. Just like it doesn't matter who is the best cook, parent, employee, money manager, crafter, singer, dresser...
What matters is that I am doing my best to fill the roles I have been given.
Not the best, but my best.
I think our friend Mrs. Proverbs would agree.
A Woman Who Fears the Lord #19
A link to my study on Proverbs 31
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
This verse is a continuation of verse 28. Our friend Mrs. Proverbs' hubby is telling her this. He is telling her that out of all the women out there, she is the most awesome.
The most awesome woman ever?
I mean, she surpasses ALL of the many women who do noble things.
Before we all go start playing the comparison game, let's think about what the rest of the bible says about comparison.
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:4-5
"The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." Romans 14:3
Proverbs 31:29 is not telling us to try to surpass every woman out there. Comparison is a slippery slope and it's been my experience that someone always loses.
Thoughts become habits and habits become character.
Here's what I believe this verse is telling me.
I am the best wife for my husband.
With God's love and guidance, I will continue to grow in character.
As my character grows stronger, I am able to bless those around me.
My community, my friends, my family, my children and my husband.
It doesn't really matter if my neighbor down the street keeps her house cleaner than mine and it doesn't really matter if I keep my house cleaner than yours. Just like it doesn't matter who is the best cook, parent, employee, money manager, crafter, singer, dresser...
What matters is that I am doing my best to fill the roles I have been given.
Not the best, but my best.
I think our friend Mrs. Proverbs would agree.
A Woman Who Fears the Lord #19
A link to my study on Proverbs 31
Monday, February 17, 2014
Waiting
"I just can't wait! I'm so excited!"
My seven year old son, Matthew, exclaimed this every 2 minutes one cold and snowy Saturday. He was waiting for a friend to arrive and needless to say, he was a little excited.
This is when I had a magical mommy moment. It's a moment where wise words pour from my lips. Not too many words, not too little and with the exact meaning needed for the situation.
"Matthew, they will get here when they get here. Since you have to wait anyway, let's find something to do to enjoy the time we must spend waiting."
"Okay, mom. But, I'm just so excited!!!"
A minute after finding something to keep my active child, well, active, I heard a small voice inside my head tell me to take my own advice.
See, I have no problem waiting for my friend to come over for our mommy play date (that's secretly disguised as a child's play date), I have no problem waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting at a traffic light, waiting for my children to fall asleep, or even waiting for the yummy casserole to finish cooking in the oven. I've mastered the skill of short term waiting. It's the long term waiting that I'm not so good at.
So, here I am.
Waiting.
Waiting for Spring.
Waiting for home ownership.
Waiting for clear direction on what my role is as a wife and mom when it comes to finances.
Waiting on prayers that I feel need to be answered.
I need to follow my own advice. I will find something to do and enjoy this season of waiting.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
February Marriage Goal, Day 13
No posts over the weekend... and I didn't loose track of my goal. Hubby had to be at work late on Saturday which meant we both got to sleep in. On Sunday, he came home from work as we were getting up. I didn't think that counted, so I didn't take a picture.
Starting a new week with early morning wake up! Have a great week blessing your spouse!
February Goals- February 16, 2014
FEBRUARY 2014 GOALS
My prayer for the month of February...
God, help me to walk close to You, hear Your direction and be confident in You.
A LOVING FAMILY
Get up with husband on the days he works.
So far so good...
Date night with husband.
We actually went out on Valentine's Day. The first time since having children.
Have tea time with the boys.
Only once this week.
A PEACEFUL HOME
Organize Bedroom and Laundry Room
Started on the bedroom.
Plan for spring garden.
A HEALTHIER PERSON
No eating after 7:00 p.m. and no fried foods.
No fried foods, but I ate after 7:00 three times this week.
Read Psalms
Psalms 28-40
Pray for clarity in my choices and confidence in God's direction.
Pray for peace that I am where God wants me to be,
Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:23
ON TRACK WITH FINANCES
Track personal spending and any income I bring in.
Develop a pros and cons list regarding returning to work.
GIVING OF OURSELVES
Make muffins with the boys and take it to an elderly neighbor.
Invite a family to join us for a meal.
I feel a little behind in my goals for this month. February is half over and I'm not halfway done. Getting up with hubby and staying up should allow for more time but it makes me super tired.
I'm still trying to figure out how to do it all...
I feel a little behind in my goals for this month. February is half over and I'm not halfway done. Getting up with hubby and staying up should allow for more time but it makes me super tired.
I'm still trying to figure out how to do it all...
Friday, February 14, 2014
February Marriage Goal, Day 12
(Yawn) Staying up late makes for a sleepy morning. I've been awake since 5:20 but forgot to take a picture. Happy Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Simply Thursday
It's the small victories. Like cleaning off your fridge and saving your children's plants from the cats.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
A Woman Who Fears the Lord #19
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
A Study of Proverbs 31
Verse 28
"Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her."
How wonderful for our friend Mrs. Proverbs! Her children and husband wake up in the morning and tell her just how wonderfully awesome she is and how lucky they are to have her in their life.
After reading this verse, I felt jealous.
My children do not wake up in the morning and begin complimenting me and thanking me for everything I do. There can be long periods of time, when everything goes completely unnoticed.
My husband? He's not a verbal kind of guy. In fact, when he does say something kind about me or something I have done, it's because I asked his opinion.
(I am a person whose receptive love language is words of affirmation and I married a non-affirming kind of guy.)
Let's take what I know about love languages and translate this verse.
My children get up in the morning and hug me. They enjoy spending time with me, are helpful and they value my guidance... most of the time. Both boys compliment me and thank me throughout the day. My husband doesn't complain about dirty dishes, unmade beds, and failed recipes; his spirit is one of gratitude. He shows his love and appreciation for me by working hard, sharing goals, wanting to spend time with me and respecting my opinion.
They would have never put this verse into the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs. It is way too long.
I'm no longer feeling jealous of our friend, Mrs. Proverbs.
In what way does your family call you blessed? How does your husband praise you?
If you are feeling discouraged in this area, pray that God will open your eyes to be able to see your family's love language.
You can read more about Love Languages at
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/.
"Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her."
How wonderful for our friend Mrs. Proverbs! Her children and husband wake up in the morning and tell her just how wonderfully awesome she is and how lucky they are to have her in their life.
After reading this verse, I felt jealous.
My children do not wake up in the morning and begin complimenting me and thanking me for everything I do. There can be long periods of time, when everything goes completely unnoticed.
My husband? He's not a verbal kind of guy. In fact, when he does say something kind about me or something I have done, it's because I asked his opinion.
(I am a person whose receptive love language is words of affirmation and I married a non-affirming kind of guy.)
Let's take what I know about love languages and translate this verse.
My children get up in the morning and hug me. They enjoy spending time with me, are helpful and they value my guidance... most of the time. Both boys compliment me and thank me throughout the day. My husband doesn't complain about dirty dishes, unmade beds, and failed recipes; his spirit is one of gratitude. He shows his love and appreciation for me by working hard, sharing goals, wanting to spend time with me and respecting my opinion.
They would have never put this verse into the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs. It is way too long.
I'm no longer feeling jealous of our friend, Mrs. Proverbs.
In what way does your family call you blessed? How does your husband praise you?
If you are feeling discouraged in this area, pray that God will open your eyes to be able to see your family's love language.
You can read more about Love Languages at
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/.
February Marriage Goal, Day 10
It was a super quite morning today because we had guests who spent the night.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Overnight Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast
Here's a simple, delicious and healthy recipe for a breakfast that you can grab and go!
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast
1/4 cup of rolled oats
1/3 cup of milk
1/4 cup of yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons of chia seeds
2 teaspoons of honey or sugar
1/3 cup of blueberries
Place the first 5 ingredients into a jar, screw the lid on and shake to mix.
Remove lid, add blueberries and stir with a spoon to combine.
Place in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy!
(This stays fresh up to four days.)
I modified the recipe based on the ingredients I had available. You can find the original recipe and many more yummy versions at The Yummy Life.
February Marriage Goal, Day 9
Tuesdays are days when my husband doesn't have to be in to work quite so early. This time the kids were up before us!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Showing Love in Marriage, A Call to Serve
I was asked why I want to get up with my husband before he goes to work. It was a question laced with ridicule and a hint of "Are you crazy?" Now, I'm not sure if the person who asked me really felt that way, or if it was just how I filtered the question. I have a filter that was created from our first 9 years of marriage and it's hard to change the way I see things.
Until three and half years ago, my marriage was about survival. How do we make it through another day without leaving each other or killing each other.
Yet, God has healed our marriage.
It's not perfect, but the love we had for each other 13 years ago continues to grow and strengthen us. I am so blessed to even be writing this. I am blessed to be loved by a man who is committed to me, takes care of me, lightens my load, gives me stuff to laugh at, shares in parenting our two boys and loves to spend time with me.
How can I show him love? How can I strengthen a marriage that is already great?
I can serve him.
Some of you may be laughing at me. Maybe you're calling my therapist because you think I have officially lost my mind. Serving others is not what our culture teaches. You take care of you first and then you take care of others. It's similar to putting your air mask on first before helping your child get theirs on when your plane starts to go down.
There is truth in that. If I am drained, physically or mentally, I am not a whole lot of good to anyone.
I need my sleep and I don't need to get up crazy early. I have stuff to do but only when it's light out.
Still, there has to be balance.
If I constantly look out for me, I miss giving my husband opportunities to lead, to help me, to grow in the role of a husband.
If I don't look for ways to be submissive, to help my husband, and to grow in my role as a wife, I miss out on God's plan for me... for us.
The next time I am asked why I am getting up with my husband, my answer will be "It's something I do to serve my husband."
If asked to explain further, I'll say,
"It's something I can do to put his wants and needs before my own."
or
"It's something I can do and even more, it's something I WANT to do."
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
Galatians 5:13
Until three and half years ago, my marriage was about survival. How do we make it through another day without leaving each other or killing each other.
Yet, God has healed our marriage.
It's not perfect, but the love we had for each other 13 years ago continues to grow and strengthen us. I am so blessed to even be writing this. I am blessed to be loved by a man who is committed to me, takes care of me, lightens my load, gives me stuff to laugh at, shares in parenting our two boys and loves to spend time with me.
How can I show him love? How can I strengthen a marriage that is already great?
I can serve him.
Some of you may be laughing at me. Maybe you're calling my therapist because you think I have officially lost my mind. Serving others is not what our culture teaches. You take care of you first and then you take care of others. It's similar to putting your air mask on first before helping your child get theirs on when your plane starts to go down.
There is truth in that. If I am drained, physically or mentally, I am not a whole lot of good to anyone.
I need my sleep and I don't need to get up crazy early. I have stuff to do but only when it's light out.
Still, there has to be balance.
If I constantly look out for me, I miss giving my husband opportunities to lead, to help me, to grow in the role of a husband.
If I don't look for ways to be submissive, to help my husband, and to grow in my role as a wife, I miss out on God's plan for me... for us.
The next time I am asked why I am getting up with my husband, my answer will be "It's something I do to serve my husband."
If asked to explain further, I'll say,
"It's something I can do to put his wants and needs before my own."
or
"It's something I can do and even more, it's something I WANT to do."
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
Galatians 5:13
February Marriage Goal, Day 3
I stated in my first post that I have felt for a while that I should get up with my husband while he gets ready for work... and I have been ignoring the feeling.
On day #2, I asked my husband if he liked me getting up with him, making sure he had breakfast, and seeing him out the door. My husband, the man I love, the person who rarely ever gives me an opinion (I think he's afraid of me), looked me in my eyes and said "yes". He even said it with a smile.
So, here I go. Day 3 of getting up with my husband before he goes to work.
February Marriage Goal, Day 8
With my coffee in hand and breakfast prepped the night before, I got to spend time with my husband before he went to work. It's a good way to start our day!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
February 2014 Goals, 2-9-14
FEBRUARY 2014 GOALS
My prayer for the month of February...
God, help me to walk close to You, hear Your direction and be confident in You.
A LOVING FAMILY
Get up with husband on the days he works.
Success!
Date night with husband.
Have tea time with the boys.
We did this three times this week.
A PEACEFUL HOME
Organize Bedroom and Laundry Room
Plan for spring garden.
A HEALTHIER PERSON
No eating after 7:00 p.m. and no fried foods.
Except for eating a handful of nuts with chocolate one night, success in both areas!
Read Psalms
I'm up to Psalms Chapter 28.
Pray for clarity in my choices and confidence in God's direction.
Pray for peace that I am where God wants me to be.
Really having to work on this.
Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:23
ON TRACK WITH FINANCES
Track personal spending and any income I bring in.
Develop a pros and cons list regarding returning to work.
GIVING OF OURSELVES
Make muffins with the boys and take it to an elderly neighbor.
Invite a family to join us for a meal.
I've set big goals for 2014 and use each month to break them down into smaller goals.
It's more manageable this way, easier to stay focused and leaves me feeling successful.
It's more manageable this way, easier to stay focused and leaves me feeling successful.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
February Marriage Goal, Day 6
Hubby didn't have to be in to work as early this morning, so I got to sleep in. Who would have ever thought that I would consider 6:30 sleeping in! :-)
Friday, February 7, 2014
February Marriage Goal, Day 5
My brain is a little fuzzy this morning and I think it's going to be a two cups of coffee kind of day.
But, my husband left for work with a smile!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Simply Thursday
A slower pace leaves more time for the things we live. Like both boys having 30 minutes of reading time before bed.
February Marriage Goal, Day 4
My husband's car wouldn't start this morning. He and I spent 20 minutes shoveling snow in the hopes he could wedge my van out of the driveway. He went to retrieve his belongings from the car and tried one more time to start it. It started right up. In complete annoyance, my husband said "God hates me." I smiled and said "No. He doesn't. He gave you me!"
Day 4 of my February Marriage Goal
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
A Woman Who Fears the Lord #18
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
A Study of Proverbs 31
Verse 27
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
Let's go over my day.
I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and was out of bed by 5:15. I talked with my husband, made him breakfast and helped him get his stuff together for work.
After he left, I made pretzel dough and started a load of laundry. Then, I read the bible, wrote in my journal, and finished this week's bible study assignment.
My youngest was up first and we played Mario Cart on the Wii--- because he's slightly addicted. Slightly.
When my oldest got up, he played a few rounds with us and then I went and finished the pretzels.
After breakfast, the boys did their thing... chores, playing, jumping on the bed, taking baths, and getting into mischief of all kinds.
I took a shower and dressed, did dishes, another load of laundry, vacuumed, and spent some time working on my Simply Fun business.
The boys and I had tea time, did copy work, sketching, read together and then played "Bank It."
(Bank It is a game where the first person to buy the bike wins but you have to purchase one item from each of the four stores, give to charity and save $10 first.)
And that was all before 12:00.
Now, before you curse me and starting flooding my e-mail with snotty comments, allow me to let you in on my life the past 2 years. The life that no one sees because it is behind closed doors.
Most mornings, I struggled to get out of bed.
I often indulged in thoughts of running away to a tropical island and freeing myself of all the stress I felt.
It would take the smallest thing to tip my mood over the edge.
Dealing with things- bills, phone calls, e-mails, shopping, etc. was something I avoided.
If I had read this verse a year ago or 4 months ago, I would have cried.
But, I'm on this journey for a reason.
The lesson I learn from all the valleys will help me go higher and higher up the mountain.
One day I will stand back to look at the beautiful view. On that day, I will see every step I took, the path I was on and be thankful for where I was lead.
Where ever you may be on your journey, take a little advice from our wise friend, Mrs. Proverbs and move one more step up that mountain.
My study of Proverbs 31
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
Let's go over my day.
I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and was out of bed by 5:15. I talked with my husband, made him breakfast and helped him get his stuff together for work.
After he left, I made pretzel dough and started a load of laundry. Then, I read the bible, wrote in my journal, and finished this week's bible study assignment.
My youngest was up first and we played Mario Cart on the Wii--- because he's slightly addicted. Slightly.
When my oldest got up, he played a few rounds with us and then I went and finished the pretzels.
After breakfast, the boys did their thing... chores, playing, jumping on the bed, taking baths, and getting into mischief of all kinds.
I took a shower and dressed, did dishes, another load of laundry, vacuumed, and spent some time working on my Simply Fun business.
The boys and I had tea time, did copy work, sketching, read together and then played "Bank It."
(Bank It is a game where the first person to buy the bike wins but you have to purchase one item from each of the four stores, give to charity and save $10 first.)
And that was all before 12:00.
Now, before you curse me and starting flooding my e-mail with snotty comments, allow me to let you in on my life the past 2 years. The life that no one sees because it is behind closed doors.
Most mornings, I struggled to get out of bed.
I often indulged in thoughts of running away to a tropical island and freeing myself of all the stress I felt.
It would take the smallest thing to tip my mood over the edge.
Dealing with things- bills, phone calls, e-mails, shopping, etc. was something I avoided.
If I had read this verse a year ago or 4 months ago, I would have cried.
But, I'm on this journey for a reason.
The lesson I learn from all the valleys will help me go higher and higher up the mountain.
One day I will stand back to look at the beautiful view. On that day, I will see every step I took, the path I was on and be thankful for where I was lead.
Where ever you may be on your journey, take a little advice from our wise friend, Mrs. Proverbs and move one more step up that mountain.
My study of Proverbs 31
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
A delicious, family friendly recipe that you can leave to simmer all day long.
Ingredients for the first part...
Dump the above ingredients into the crock pot. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours.
ENJOY!
Ingredients for the first part...
2 chicken breasts
8 cups of chicken broth (I use 8 cups of water and 3 Tablespoons of Chicken Flavor Bouillon.)
4 carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
2 teaspoons of basil
Dump the above ingredients into the crock pot. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours.
30 minutes before your meal, turn your crock pot on high and mix in the following ingredients...
1 can of cream of chicken soup
10 ounces of yolk free noodles (The package I buy comes is 12 ounces but I have found this is just too many noodles for the amount of liquid in the soup.)
Cook on high for half an hour on high or until the noodles are tender, stirring half way through.
ENJOY!
February Marriage Goal, Day 2
My February goal is to get up with my husband on mornings he goes into work.
I did not fall off the band wagon on day 2, he just has to be to work later than normal.
Monday, February 3, 2014
A Grocery Shopping Victory
I accidentally stumbled upon nothing short of a miracle when it comes to taking my two children grocery shopping with me.
Hello. My name is Wendelyn Daly and I am a recovering shop-a-phobic. I STRONGLY dislike shopping and will avoid it to the degree of being able to compare myself to Old Mother Hubbard.
My problem started when my husband and I had our second child. I reached my limit of multi-tasking.
God bless the moms I see shopping with three, four, five, even six children in the store. They deserve awards... and chocolate... and a drink of their choice.
Liam took the front seat on the cart, Matt rode on the end. (I know, I know, safety hazard. I'm pretty sure who ever made that rule never had to take children to the store or tried to steer the two seat-er tanks around target.)
Then, Liam got old enough to vocalize how much he did not want to ride in the seat and Matthew became to heavy to push on the front of the cart. Add in an extremely strict budget, a detailed grocery list, price matching, coupons, lobsters, fish and a pony.
Grocery shopping was a nightmare.
We need food. It's just part of life. Since eating takeout for every meal is not a feasible option, I needed a plan.
My idea started with choosing one day to grocery shop and sticking to that day. The first week I chose Friday and it happened to be the same day I needed to take Liam in to see the doctor. At 9:00. Plus, we had plans for lunch after. Knowing it would be the death of me to take a sick, tired and cranky three year old to the store during nap time, I opted to go before. We were in the store by 7:30, out by 8:30 and got to our doctor's appointment by 8:56.
The store is considerably empty at 8:00 in the morning. Matthew was able to push the cart, not run into people and Liam was able to walk with us. I got my list checked off and we were done!
A grocery shopping miracle! Kind and gracious to both my children the entire trip. Who deserves an award now?
We've continued our early morning shopping trips for the last month. Not always as early as the first one, but we're done by 10:00.
This mama is a happy camper. My seven year old and I take turns reading the list and crossing things off. Both children get complimented often by other shoppers on how well behaved they are and we make time to stop and see the lobsters.
Getting up a little earlier than normal is well worth it. The isles are empty and all three of us feel more kind and cooperative earlier in the morning.
We may just be able to keep on eating.
Hello. My name is Wendelyn Daly and I am a recovering shop-a-phobic. I STRONGLY dislike shopping and will avoid it to the degree of being able to compare myself to Old Mother Hubbard.
My problem started when my husband and I had our second child. I reached my limit of multi-tasking.
God bless the moms I see shopping with three, four, five, even six children in the store. They deserve awards... and chocolate... and a drink of their choice.
Liam took the front seat on the cart, Matt rode on the end. (I know, I know, safety hazard. I'm pretty sure who ever made that rule never had to take children to the store or tried to steer the two seat-er tanks around target.)
Then, Liam got old enough to vocalize how much he did not want to ride in the seat and Matthew became to heavy to push on the front of the cart. Add in an extremely strict budget, a detailed grocery list, price matching, coupons, lobsters, fish and a pony.
Grocery shopping was a nightmare.
We need food. It's just part of life. Since eating takeout for every meal is not a feasible option, I needed a plan.
My idea started with choosing one day to grocery shop and sticking to that day. The first week I chose Friday and it happened to be the same day I needed to take Liam in to see the doctor. At 9:00. Plus, we had plans for lunch after. Knowing it would be the death of me to take a sick, tired and cranky three year old to the store during nap time, I opted to go before. We were in the store by 7:30, out by 8:30 and got to our doctor's appointment by 8:56.
The store is considerably empty at 8:00 in the morning. Matthew was able to push the cart, not run into people and Liam was able to walk with us. I got my list checked off and we were done!
A grocery shopping miracle! Kind and gracious to both my children the entire trip. Who deserves an award now?
We've continued our early morning shopping trips for the last month. Not always as early as the first one, but we're done by 10:00.
This mama is a happy camper. My seven year old and I take turns reading the list and crossing things off. Both children get complimented often by other shoppers on how well behaved they are and we make time to stop and see the lobsters.
Getting up a little earlier than normal is well worth it. The isles are empty and all three of us feel more kind and cooperative earlier in the morning.
We may just be able to keep on eating.
February Marriage Goal, Day 1
If someone had told me to get up early to spend some time with my husband, I would have laughed at them. No, seriously laughed. A manic, hysterical laugh. Right in their face.
Then, why in the world am I doing it?
I have felt like this is something I needed to do for a while now. It's for my husband, for my marriage, for me. (Not naturally being an early riser, I have ignored it.)
I need a little accountability and will be posting every morning for the month of February. That is, every morning that my husband has to get up for work.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
February Goals, 2-2-14
A PEACEFUL HOME
Organize the boy's room, our bedroom and the van.
A HEALTHIER PERSON
Memorize Isaiah 41:10
(It was my oldest son's verse at church.)
ON TRACK WITH FINANCES
Plan a GAME NIGHT EVENT.
I'm not sure exactly what my issue is with putting myself out there with my new business, but I sure do have one. I finally got up the nerve to call to see if I could rent a room for a Game Night Event and the person I needed to talk wasn't going to be in until next week. :-(
FEBRUARY 2014 GOALS
My prayer for the month of February...
God, help me to walk close to You, hear Your direction and be confident in You.
A LOVING FAMILY
Get up with husband on the days he works.
Date night with husband.
Have tea time with the boys.
A PEACEFUL HOME
Organize Bedroom and Laundry Room
Plan for spring garden.
A HEALTHIER PERSON
No eating after 7:00 p.m. and no fried foods.
Read Psalms
Pray for clarity in my choices and confidence in God's direction.
Pray for peace that I am where God wants me to be,
Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:23
ON TRACK WITH FINANCES
Track personal spending and any income I bring in.
Develop a pros and cons list regarding returning to work.
GIVING OF OURSELVES
Make muffins with the boys and take it to an elderly neighbor.
Invite a family to join us for a meal.
I'm not sure exactly what my issue is with putting myself out there with my new business, but I sure do have one. I finally got up the nerve to call to see if I could rent a room for a Game Night Event and the person I needed to talk wasn't going to be in until next week. :-(
FEBRUARY 2014 GOALS
My prayer for the month of February...
God, help me to walk close to You, hear Your direction and be confident in You.
A LOVING FAMILY
Get up with husband on the days he works.
Date night with husband.
Have tea time with the boys.
A PEACEFUL HOME
Organize Bedroom and Laundry Room
Plan for spring garden.
A HEALTHIER PERSON
No eating after 7:00 p.m. and no fried foods.
Read Psalms
Pray for clarity in my choices and confidence in God's direction.
Pray for peace that I am where God wants me to be,
Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:23
ON TRACK WITH FINANCES
Track personal spending and any income I bring in.
Develop a pros and cons list regarding returning to work.
GIVING OF OURSELVES
Make muffins with the boys and take it to an elderly neighbor.
Invite a family to join us for a meal.
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