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My Little Chef: Homemade Apple Crisp
Brina’s Homemade Apple Crisp was delicious!
Brina wanted to make homemade apple crisp for the family. She loves to cook and spend time with us in the kitchen. Thankful for her willingness to learn how to cook. She is becoming a great chef!
Mixing up the crisp, the spoon wasn’t working well so she used her fingers.
Freshly cubed apples sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
Homemade Apple Crisp ready to go into the oven.
Freshly baked apple crisp!
School Projects: Book Report on Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
Brina’s Book Report
Recently, the girls had to the do a book report for school. Brina read the book Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne for her book report. She had to come up with a box or container for her book report. Jake helped her put together this super cool tree house for her book report. She had a blast picking out the perfect branch, helping Jake cut it, glue together the pieces, put the tree house together, and decorate it. Karlie read the book Foal in the Fog by Ben M. Baglio for her book report.
Brina’s tree house had a slot in the top where she could store all her book report papers and items for her presentation.
Brina picked out a variety of pictures and put her information on the base of the tree house.
Her tree house turned out really well and she did awesome well on her book report presentation! Her tree house was picked to be put on display in their school library!
School Projects: Book Report on Foal in the Fog by Ben M. Baglio
Karlie’s Book Report
Recently, the girls had to the do a book report for school. Karlie read the book Foal in the Fog by Ben M. Baglio for her book report. She had to come up with a box or container for her book report. The barn was the perfect box for this book report. She was really excited about doing her book report. Brina did a book report too on Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
Foal in the Fog with pictures of horses and ponies on the outside!
The other side of her barn with more pictures!
Her book report with all the details of the book per the teacher’s instructions. Inside the box she put items that relate to her book – horse, black lab, saddle, pictures, bales of hay, fences, and horse shoes.
Karlie’s barn box for her book report turned out really well and she did a great job on her presentation! Her barn is on display at their school library!
Heart Reflections: First Fruits
Our family has gone through a lot of hills and valleys over the past few years together. Jake and I started out our marriage in debt from school bills. It took the first few years of both of us working to pay off our school debts. After paying off our school loans we began saving to start our own business.
We started our own business and ran it for several years. As life would have it we started dipping into that savings we had set aside and before long we realized that we had to make a decision whether or not to stay in business for ourselves or not. We along with several friends and family fervently prayed for wisdom to make the right decision.
Would the business turn around in a year or should we seek employment elsewhere? After several months of praying and giving it over to God Jake was approached by a contact who wanted him to apply to a couple positions available in the area. We prayed about it and decided to see what would happen since obviously we hadn’t spoken to this person in years and this may be God saying “trust me”. Jake went in for 3 interviews that week by Monday the following week he had offers for all three positions. One of the offers was in Greenville and the other 2 were in nearby cities.
Before even accepting the position my husband came to me. We had been praying for wisdom for so long and when God handpicked a position for him when we were not expecting it he felt like we should give the “first fruits” of this job to God. He gave us this position and we want to honor Him for all he has done for us. God had answered our prayers and we wanted to give back to him.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10
Even when the budget was really tight especially during this time we always had enough to cover expenses. After praying about it we decided that the first month’s pay check would be given to God. From that time on any increases or bonuses Jake received from his work we have donated the first portion to God. After receiving a bonus or increase we would set aside the money and pray about where God would want us to give the money. After about a month we would talk again discuss what and who God laid on our hearts. It is amazing to see how much clear God makes that decision. Once the decision is made we give the money to the organization or people God had laid on our hearts as a check, cash, or if it is an organization where we can give it online we do it that way.
I am thankful for my husband who seeks God’s wisdom, is thoughtful, and giving to others. There are times when we could really use that extra money from a bonus or increase to pay for items our family needs (pay a medical bill, debt, or for something we need, etc…), however, we always make it a point to give the first fruits to others first. Ultimately, it is God who gives us the money it is an honor to share what we have with others.
No Bear… Just A Kind Dog…
The letter I found on the front porch container!
On Saturday we enjoyed a quiet family brunch on our back deck. It was nice to sit outside in the refresh air, eat delicious food, and spend some time catching up with my family. As we began to clean up and bring the dishes into the house I rang the doorbell at the back door because I realized once I arrived at the door would not be able to open the door without dropping something.
Instead of running to my rescue after ringing the doorbell both girls ran to the front door to see who had stopped by for a visit. It was then I realized that they had no clue that the back doorbell even worked. They were completely puzzled. How could someone ring the doorbell and disappear in a matter of seconds? I teased them that it was probably just someone coming by to drop off free books when they saw our dog, Skipper they left quickly because it was not polite to just walk into someone’s house uninvited.
I finished cleaning up after breakfast and went about doing other activities not really thinking much about the doorbell and teasing the kids about the free books. Later that day I went out the front door to get the mail and saw this note posted on the container on the front porch. I should have known that our kids love books so much they would be concerned about not being able to get to the door in time to get the free books.
Sometimes they do random things, like this note, that catch me off guard and make me laugh. I didn’t realize how seriously they took me. I did explain to the girls that it was me that rang the doorbell on the back deck. They both had forgotten about that doorbell. After talking with them it made more sense that I was ringing the doorbell than some stranger ringing the front doorbell and vanishing into thin air. We all had a good laugh about doorbell prank and note on the front porch.
3D Printed: Heart & Name Keychains
“Love” Keychain
The first thing Jake printed with his PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer once he got it assembled was a “love” keychain for me. I have it hanging up in the van and love seeing it. The first few items took some time and adjustments to get the printer to print correctly. You will notice as we share more of the items that he prints using the 3D printer that they will be even more uniform. He’s such a sweetheart to make something for me first. Love him!
Karlie and Brina’s new keychains to hang on their backpacks.
Karlie’s is ready!
Brina’s is ready!
Jake had this waiting for Brina one day before school, she was very excited!
Karlie was thrilled to find her new keychain at breakfast!
A “Dove” For My Love!
I am blessed with an amazing husband! When he has to travel I miss him greatly! I am very grateful for the him and everything he does for our family. When he travels I try to get him something special for when he comes home. The surprise could be a treat something sweet or salty or practical or fun gift. I usually add some cheesy note or saying, but that’s not what it’s really about, it is about making my man feel important when he comes home.
Most of the time I leave his welcome home surprise in a place where I know he will find not long after being home (his desk, near the shelf where he puts his wallet, in the front of the fridge, etc…). He’s seems to really appreciate the surprise gifts and gestures. I am always thrilled have him back home and to do something special for him. Lately, he has been traveling more for work so I have had to get creative and keep an eye out for new and different items to make or get for him.There are so many reasons why I love him….let me share a few:
- He loves me despite my faults.
- He takes care of me even during the rough times of sickness or injury.
- He works hard to provide for our family.
- He is a godly man.
- He knows how to make me laugh.
- He plays a key role in so many of my favorite memories.
- He is an amazing Dad to our kids.
- He takes time to listen to me even on busy days or when he is away.
- He encourages me to always do my best.
- He helps me even when I get myself “in a pickle” which happens more than I care to admit (ahem…).
- He is thoughtful and often knows exactly what I need, sometimes even before I do.
- He knows how to make me smile.
- He spontaneously surprises me with the most thoughtful and perfect practical gifts.
- He is my best friend.
- He cooks the most delicious food for our family.
- He will help clean, even if it isn’t always his favorite chore around the house.
- He knows how to bring out the best in me.
- He is my Handsome Man.
- He pitches in when he sees I need the extra help with the kids homework, finishing a meal, and more.
- He is very creative.
- He allows me to speak freely and values my opinion, even if we don’t always agree on everything.
- He looks for opportunities to teach his family new things (both the kids and myself included).
- He puts up with my craziness, he deserves an award for this one.
- He is willing to play board games with his family.
- He is my biggest cheerleader and believes I can do anything I want to do.
- He has an amazing amount of patience with me and the kids.
- He knows I have a black thumb with house plants and still loves me.
- He supports my endeavors and at times my random crazy ideas.
- He comes up and will implement ways to make my life easier.
- He has so many talents and is an amazing person.
- He knows how to calm me down when I get myself worked up.
- He allows me to be myself around him.
- He tells me I am “beautiful” even though I usually see all the areas I need to improve.
- He can create the most awesome creations out of wood – bookshelves, desks, and so much more.
- He is always learning.
- He spoils me…..too much at times.
- He is generous.
- He is giving of his time and energy.
- I love him more and more every day!
While neither of us happen to be perfect (far from it actually), however, we are perfect for each other. Unfortunately, we don’t always agree, but we work together through those tough moments. We’ve had our ups and we’ve had our downs. Thankfully, we have grown closer together and learned to love each other even more through the years.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was a little better this week. Still healing, but continue to have pain, numbness, and my stomach hasn’t reset itself yet. Had another doctors appointment and hoping to have a better report soon. I was able to get up and move around more this week, but still haven’t been able to get to all of the items on my lists. At least some progress is being made.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Read the book Wonder’s Promise by Joanna Campbell to read to the kids – still reading to the girls (we had a week of heavy homework)
- Plan one special activity with the family – had another family event come up on the calendar on that day
- Prepare for Upcoming Fall Events & Trips – waiting on approval from my doctors
Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before- Play a Game with the Kids
- Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items
Dr. Appointments for Kids– had an ENT appointment for one of the girls and picked out new glasses for both
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – my stomach hasn’t been happy with drinking water this week so this one has been a challenge
Continue my YouVersion plan(s)Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – took me 3 partial days to get it done
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekDo at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)Clean out & Organize Refrigerator & FreezerClean House (Focus – Basement Floors)– my amazing husband helped get this accomplished for me (thanks, Babe!)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Storage Room) – didn’t get it done
- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool taken down and put away) – still needs done
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat Food Bin) – still needs done
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – making some headway
Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch – didn’t have a lot of extra curricular activities this week
- Prep for our Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes – making preparations
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt) – paid an little extra this week
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Earn some Creative Cash – working on it
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – the girls helped me at the grocery store this week and we had to go by more than one store because of the items that we needed this week
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read the book Wonder’s Promise by Joanna Campbell to read to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Prepare for Upcoming Fall Events & Trips
- Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items
- Dr. Appointments for Kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)
- Clean House (Focus – Bathrooms)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Storage Room)
- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool taken down and put away)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Dog & Goat Food Bin)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Prep for our Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Earn some Creative Cash
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
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