• In Memory of Grandma Doris

    As I sit here quietly for the first time in awhile I begin to reflect on my Grandma Doris and the multitudes of ways she impacted my life.  Part of me doesn’t want to think about life without you in it, but I realize that you will always be a part of my life story and many others. Even though it’s not easy there’s a time to say goodbye….I’ve never been good at goodbyes….

    I learned many lessons from Grandma over the years.   You gave me the extra confidence to do or be anything I set my mind on.  Grandma Doris was truly a one-of-a-kind person.  She was unique and loved you in her own way.

    Growing up whenever they could Grandpa Verlyn and Grandma Doris would take the time out of their busy schedules to come to see me and the other grand-kids participate in whatever sports, concerts, competitions, or activities we were involved in.  I cannot tell you how much this meant to me, just knowing that they cared enough to be there for me and be a part of my life and activities spoke volumes in my life.  They have a lot of family members and many spread out over multiple areas so I know it wasn’t always easy or convenient to make it to these events.   I never doubted their love (why else would they sit on those hard bleachers to watch us over the years).  You knew when Grandma Doris was there….her voice had a way of piercing through all the noise in the crowd and hitting straight into your heart.  She would be your loudest and proudest cheerleader in the crowd no matter how good (or bad) you were.  It was one of Grandma’s many ways of supporting and encouraging you to be your best.

    As a kid we would spend our Christmas Eve’s  at Grandpa and Grandma’s house.  There was always an amazing spread of food, fun activities, games, gifts and fun.  The house was full of many family and friends on any given Holiday.  As kids we would often play in the basement while the parents would play games upstairs.   One of our favorite games was Ghost in the Darkness…can’t remember who came up with it, but it was fun!  If we got too loud or rough we would hear Grandma Doris’ shrill voice and her footsteps on the stairs, it was pretty amazing how quickly all kids were instantly on their best behavior as soon as we heard Grandma coming.  I have no idea why Grandma and Grandma went through so many deep freezers when we were kids, but it may have had something to do with the grand-kids using the top of the deep freezer as our safety zone in a variety of games we played while at their house.  Oops!

    Grandma preferred comfort over elegance in her day to day life but enjoyed getting fancy for special events involving family and friends.  Grandma knew how to have a good time.

    It was okay with Grandma if her house wasn’t perfect as long as everyone felt welcomed.  Anyone was invited to come join the fun adventures at her house whether they we family, friends, or even strangers.  If you needed a place to crash for the night, no problem, there’s always room for one more.   The more the merrier at Grandma’s.

    Grandma wasn’t big on making fancy meals, but could make the best Mayonnaise Cake with Chunky peanut butter frosting.  Delicious! When it came to cooking, the quicker the better, as far as Grandma was concerned.

    My family lived in Grandpa and Grandma’s basement for several years while my parents were building their house.   It was an adventure in itself, but gave me additional opportunities to spend with Grandma which is something I didn’t truly treasure until later in life.

    Grandma was a bargain hunting, coke and beanie baby collecting lady.  I have often wondered over the years how many McDonald’s or other kids meals she and Grandpa have eaten in her quest to collect the special beanie babies or other cool toys!

    Life is precious,  life is short.  May this be a time to reflect on the special memories, love, and fun times with Grandma Doris.   She has made an impact on the hearts and lives of those around her.  You were always gracious, giving, and had a strong personality Grandma.

    I will always remember Grandma’s smile and cackle that came along with the twinkle in her eyes when she was having fun.  Her spunky personality, loyalty to those she loved, spirit of adventure, gift of hospitality, and so much more.

    Whenever I see a chicken, I can’t help but think of you, if I ever have a house with a big enough closet I plan to leave my Christmas tree up year round (just in the closet covered with a sheet most of the year – think how much time it would save around the Holidays decorating and un-decorating….genius Grandma!)  You always amazed me how you could walk barefoot on the gravel roads, through sticker patches, and more.  We always knew when you were walking through the front door with your friendly “YooHoo! Anyone home!”  Many times stopping by to say “Hi” or drop off a batch of fresh eggs,  garden tomatoes or other items.   Disposable cameras, toasty warm home with a crackling fire in the winter, digging out slivers, and even Vicks vapor rub remind me of you.

    Thank you Grandma for loving us and leaving your imprint in our hearts and lives over the years. I love you Grandma.  May you rest in peace today January 15, 2017 and forever.

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Grateful for a weekend together.  The kids were super excited to have some snow to play in this weekend too!   Thankful for a great time with the family.  With everything going on this week I want to keep our schedule as streamlined and simple as possible.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Crockpot Roast, Baked Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Tilapia, Steamed Asparagus
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Chicken & Rice Casserole, Mixed Veggies
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Pork Chops, Stuffing
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • Three Ways Your Family can Welcome in a New Year!

    With a new year comes a lot of excitement!  The feeling of a fresh start in many areas of our lives, planning for future events and adventures, new goals, and more!  Everyday is a blessing!  While we welcome in the New Year don’t forget to reflect on the many blessings that you have enjoyed over the past year(s).  I encourage you to initiate a conversation with your family (it can be during a family dinner, game night, or any good time when everyone is present).  During this family time focus on these three things as a family to start off your New Year right.  This time together will make a positive impact on the hearts and lives of each individual family member and is worth it:

    1. Reflect back the fun memories and blessings of 2016!  Often the hardest part with this stage is getting the ball rolling.  Before the family time create a list of several good family memories to get it started.  Mention one and let others input their memories tied into that event as well as start adding their own memories.  Give everyone a chance who wants to talk the opportunity.  If there is a pause bring up a different memory to keep them going.  Before long you’ll be laughing and the kids will be bringing up memories connected to the event or new ones that you forgot about.  This is a wonderful way to end a year and begin a new one.
    2. Take a moment to think about the tough times over the past year! While the harder times are not easy to deal with or will bring back sadness or emotions they still have an impact on our lives.  Sometimes during these times of discussion you realize that a family member is still struggling with something.  Whether it is grief over a lost pet or loved one, anger, frustration, or something else.  This is a good time to gauge how everyone is doing and give you an opportunity to encourage each other or help those family members heal.  The love and support you receive from those around you can make an incredible impact on your life as you continue to move forward.  Knowing you are not alone, you are loved, and you have a team of people who want to help you can help the family member heal more quickly.  (Do not use this time to point out problems with each other, but to talk about harder times and to encourage.  Some topics made need to be tabled for a later and more lengthy conversation)  It will give you a good insight into your children and some ideas of what to help encourage them with over the next few weeks as they continue to grow and heal.
    3. Look ahead! As one year wraps up and a new one begins it is a great time to set some goals both personally and as a family.  Use this time to set family goals together.  There may be some activities that the kids have been wanting to do, but you have been letting it slip not even realizing that it was very important to them.  The goals discussed during this family  time should be family related, although they most definitely have a personal impact on each family member.  Write these goals down and review them weekly or monthly or regularly throughout the year to remind the family members of what is important to the family as a whole.  This also provides a lead in for each of the members to think about their personal goals.  It allows a great opportunity to have a group of people focused on similar goals and encouraging each other along the way.  Some family goal ideas (eat healthier, regular family game night, monthly date night with spouse and each child, daily family devotions, learn a new skill together, plan a family vacation, weekly family night, quarterly family service project, etc…).  Make a point to write the ideas down and either make a decision that day or within a few days on the family goals.  Type up a list, print it or email it to each family member so that they can be reminded of the ways your family is working together to create stronger bonds, happy memories, and improving lives.

    Setting aside a time when everyone is together can be difficult, however it is important.  It can be during a family dinner, game night, or another time when the family is together.  Make sure it is a convenient time with as little distractions as possible.  A time when everyone is more relaxed (not hungry, ready for bed, or trying to multi-task while having this conversation).  The reflecting on memories helps create a happy bond, the tough times allow family members to see that they are not alone and have the support of people who love them, and looking ahead gives you the opportunity to improve and grow into a better individuals and family unit.  If you do write down the family goals please do your best to follow through as much as possible because these goals are important to the members.

    Life has a way of staying busy.  Taking the time to spending reflecting on good memories as a way has a way of bringing everyone together.  It may cause some laughter, tears, and healing.  It is good to be reminded of the many blessings in our life and to realize that we are journeying through this life together.   Yes, we make mistakes along the way, but we can can make the best of it and have a lot of fun too.  Many blessings to you and your family this 2017 New Year!!!