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.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I am really hoping for a more normal week this week. Last week I cooked for my family, however, my stomach was still upset from the epidural steroid shot so it was a little more challenging. This week I am trying to keep it simple as it will be a busy week. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Beef & Bean Chili, Cornbread
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Hot Dogs, Steamed Vegetables
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Spinach & Chicken Casserole, Fresh Salad
- Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Broiled Salmon, Mash Potatoes
- 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 seafood 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
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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Gratitude Turns What We Have…
Holiday Gift Giving: Space Scouts
One of the kids in our family is all about space, planets, astronauts, and more! It is her dream to one day be an astronaut and go to Mars. Recently, I discovered this program called Space Scouts that I am looking forward to checking out. It might be something really fun for her to explore and learn more about space in the process.
If you have a child that loves Space and wants to learn more it may be a great program for you too! Space Scouts monthly subscription club for kids is a delightful learning adventure aimed at discovering the wonders of the universe! Each month your child will explore a new place in space — stepping into the worlds of space exploration, space science, and astronomy. Join Roxy and Jett as they scout about the galaxy engaging your child in fun learning activities, hands-on discovery, and exciting challenges. Packages arrive each month filled with fun additions to your collection — magnets, stickers, toys, and more!
Space Scouts is a stellar vehicle for launching your child’s interest in science & technology! This is not your typical grab-bag subscription box. Space Scouts is a fun, educational experience where each month builds upon the previous. It’s a great way to learn! Price is affordable at $11.95 per month + $3.00 shipping. Discounts for multi-month purchase. Space Scouts is designed for kids age 6+.
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Recipes: Homemade Apple Dumplings
Homemade Apple Dumpling Dessert
Jake made recently made this delicious fall apple recipe for dessert! Sometimes we go apple picking and other times we just enjoy the stores having some of our favorite apples on sale during this time of year. Every year we like to try different apple dishes. I am thankful for a husband who cooks and who will random surprise us with a tasty treat. The homemade apple dumplings would go very well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream too if you have some at the house!
Apple Dumpling
Homemade Apple Dumplings:
- 1 3/4 cups Water
- 1 1/4 cups Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons Butter or Maragine
- 2 1/4 cups Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2/3 cups shortening
- 7 tablespoons Water
- 4 Apples (small to medium size)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
In a saucepan combine 1 3/4 cups water, 1 cup of sugar (save the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar for later), 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (save the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for later), 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (save the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for later). Mix together, simmer with it covered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter or margarine. Set the syrup mixture aside.
Combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until all the pieces are about the size of a black bean. Add water a little at a time and mix until all is moist. Form the dough into a ball. Roll the dough onto an approximately 16 x 12 inch rectangle, cut into four 4 inch squares.
Wash, peel, and core your 4 apples. Place an apple on each of the 4 pastry squares. Mix together the brown sugar and raisins and put a small scoop in each apple where the core was removed. Mix the remaining sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together and sprinkle over the fruit. Moisten the edges of the pastry with water and fold the corners to the center on top of the fruit and pinch to seal it (see picture below). Place dumplings in a greased pan and pour the syrup mixture over the top of the dumplings.
Bake the dumplings on 375 degrees in the oven for 45 minutes or until the fruit is tender and the pastry is slightly brown. Prior to serving spoon syrup from the pan over the pastries and serve with vanilla ice cream.
The recipe is a delicious fall apple dessert! I recommend serving with ice cream or a glass of milk! Enjoy!
Ready to go into the oven!
The apple dumplings not only smelled delicious, they tasted amazing too!
Inside the apple dumplings!
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Life’s Little Hiccups: An Apology Letter
An apology letter written by Karlie and Brina
The other day Jake went into the garage and noticed one of his boards had a letter written on it from the girls. They also included a diagram and frowny face. Next to the letter was a broken board. The letter said:
Daddy I am very sorry we broke your board. We were trying to carry two water buckets.
Love Karlie and Brina
The girls were bringing water to the goats. Instead of carrying one bucket at a time they decided to use one of Jake’s “boards” to carry two buckets together and save time. They were thinking creatively, however, the board they chose was not strong enough to hold two full water buckets so it broke. They tried to fix the board by taping it together, but with no luck. After some discussion they decided to write a letter admitting their mistake and apologize to their Dad for breaking his board.
The board they broke. They tried taping it together with painters tape!
The good, bad, and ugly:
Bad – they used a board without permission in the first place
Ugly – something was broken in the process
Good – they admitted their mistake and apologized for it
Even though they did something wrong I was happy to see they confessed to their mistake. Although, we teach the girls right and wrong you never know what they will do. Thankful for those moments when they admit when they are wrong and apologize. It makes a parents heart happy to know the kids are trying. What they did wasn’t horrible and they were trying to find a more efficient way to take care of their animals, but they still needed to let us know about it.
