Necessary Tasks and A Happy Octopus

Today was a very task-oriented day. 

I had gotten behind on some household tasks and had to seize the available time during the day to get things done because this week has been busy and tomorrow is even busier.  Unfortunately, I am not one of those girls who gets all excited to clean the house.  I like my house to be tidy and neat, but wish I could wave a magic wand or sprinkle glittering pixie dust to get it that way!  (So far all such attempts have failed.  I do have dust though!  Just not of the glittering pixie variety, ahem.)

So when I get behind, I use this magical trick: force myself to do what needs to be done.  The minute my kids walked out the door this morning, I made myself fold a gigantic mountain of laundry, forcing myself to fold and put away every item before I even had my coffee.  

Morning coffee is quite the motivator.

I had lots more to do - sorting through kids clothes, vacuuming, washing dishes, wiping sticky surfaces, managing clutter - so I put one of my favorite Pandora stations that plays gorgeous orchestra scores from movies (that music always energizes me) and worked all day long.

The beautiful music helped, and so did setting the kitchen timer a few times to push myself to keep a good pace and make each task seem manageable.  

Thankfully I managed to get most of what I wanted to accomplish finished just in the nick of time to pick up Madi from school, teach piano lessons, and head straight to youth group.

I had popcorn and a Cherry Coke for dinner.  

I wanted to write a few posts here, but I am wiped out.

So instead of a great post, I'll leave you with a photo of an octopus my son drew for his homework.  He is not one to sit around and draw for fun like his sister always has, so when I saw this I thought it was the cutest thing ever!  I always love to see a happy, stick-figure octopus.

And I'll also leave you with a photo of some treats my friend Laurie sent me in the mail from Maryland.  I'm telling you, I think she reads my mind.  She always sends these packages with the perfect little surprises!  What a friend.  I am blessed.

Love Notes

Remember the love notes for kids I told you I found at a Family Christian bookstore?

Well, while I was browsing there I saw a similar packet with love notes for wives, but none for husbands. I imagine they had them but were sold out.  I really wanted to find some and was thrilled to come across a pack the other evening at Hobby Lobby while Madi and I were out on our date!

I loved what it said on the bottom...32 affirmations for your husband...because honestly, that's what I think most of us crave, what motivates us all to do and be better.  A little affirmation from someone we care about goes a long way.

Here are some of the notes - they have a straightforward, affirming message on the front, and empty space to write your own little message on the back.

I am enjoying leaving these in different places for Jimmy!  And there are lots more to come!

Such a simple but valuable way to invest in your marriage and family!

Who do you need to leave a surprise love note for?!  

So Excited!!!

Because my order from the Christian bookstore came in and my morning started with this!

I have journeyed through 90 lessons on the life of Jesus and the life of Paul, and can't wait to see what I learn on this journey with David.

Also working my way through this study and enjoying delving into the concept of new, something that has been on my heart lately.

Tomorrow is a grand new day!  Begin it in God's Word!

Sunday Letters

Dear Madi,

You blessed my heart today.  It was this evening, when you sang with me in church.  Lifting up the name of Jesus was even sweeter when your voice joined mine.  You have always loved the song Your Great Name, and I'm thankful you were willing to sing it with me.  You get incredibly nervous to sing in front of others, and the attention makes you uncomfortable.  You even tell me not give you any "compliments."  But you have a lovely gift and a tender heart, and I want to help you build up your confidence to offer that heartfelt gift to God.  It takes courage.  It always will.  Your Paw Paw preached on courageous living this morning.  And I saw you exhibit courage this evening.  Your song was a true offering and made my heart sing.

I love you,

Mommy


Dear Trevor,

You blessed my heart today.  Your daddy has a relationship with a homeless man in the community.  John often comes into his office, and he has tried to encourage him to be a part of a local ministry that shares the love and message of Jesus clearly and offers a structured plan to help homeless people get on their feet.  You have heard us speak of this.  This morning you were in Daddy's office when John came in.  You two shared a doughnut with him, and then you asked him why he won't go to the ministry.  He told Daddy he couldn't believe that even his boy was after him!  You then invited him to church tonight.  You didn't care at all how he looked or smelled.  That makes me want to be more like you.  Later on the way to church we were chatting about this and that and all of a sudden you said, "I hope John comes to church tonight."  Then you asked if he could live with us since we have a guest room.  He was on your mind.  He didn't come to church tonight, and you made mention of it in the car afterwards.  But we said you can always pray for him, and knowing you, you will.   I love your tender heart.  Your compassion inspires me.

I love you,

Mommy


Dear Jimmy,

You blessed my heart today.  Your message this evening was Biblical, relatable, and right on time.  Perfect for the day.  I always love the illustrations you use.  I am thinking about what you said about how you watch and know about Tangled and Backyardians because your kids love them, and you love your kids.  How because of your love for your kids, you want to know what they love and do what they love.  And how if we love God, we will want to get in His Word to know and do what He loves.  That makes so much sense.  I also love what you said about how intimacy requires consistency.  How to have an intimate relationship with God or with your family, you must be there and do the work consistently.  Thank you for your consistency.  It is one of the things I love so very much about you.

I love you,

Jennifer

Mommy-Daughter Date

Late this morning our family headed off to a cheerleading competition to support and cheer on some of the girls in our youth group as they competed.  These girls are unbelievably talented and we are so proud of them!  We returned home quite a few hours later to a beautiful late afternoon.  Madi started playing with a baby doll.  Trev started working on his Lego sticker book.  Jimmy alternated between working on a guitar pedal he built (he is amazing at that sort of thing) and studying for a message.  And I sat on the porch working on my new Bible study, enjoying the warm sun and breeze off the lake.

Somewhere in there my daughter mentioned that she would like to go to Hobby Lobby.

Those are sort of magic words around here!  My ears perked up.  And I realized that we didn't really have any plans for the evening.  So before I knew it, Madi and I were headed off for an impromptu Mommy-Daughter Date!

I love these times with her.  Her brother came along so quickly after she was born that I never felt we had much one on one time.  Trev and I have been blessed with lots of time together these past two years with Madi in school, and I am soaking it up.  But with Madi, the chances I get to spend with just her and me are not as ordinary and very special.

A couple weeks ago we had a date to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D at the theater, and that was a real treat!

Tonight we started at Hobby Lobby where we browsed all the magical aisles and talked, her sweet little hand in my own.  I tried to memorize the feel of that small, soft hand holding on to mine.

We then went to Panera and sat at a small table for two, laughing and playing the "initial game" she loves so much!  One of us says an initial of someone or something, and the other has to guess who or what it is.  She could do this for hours!  We took our time playing the game over macaroni and cheese (for her) and broccoli cheddar soup (for me).  She was so happy.

Then we did a little shopping and she came home with a new outfit that is just darling.  And stylish of course.  She has turned into my little fashionista and enjoys mixing up her clothes and accessories and coming up with new combinations!

I loved our whole evening.  I loved talking, hearing how she has become so grown up in her vocabulary and conversations.  I loved laughing with her.  I loved shopping with her and how even though we didn't buy much, we had fun walking and looking and being together and picking out one new outfit.  I loved that she was so happy to be with me.  I loved how happy I was to be with her.

I pray it will ever be so.  God, please knit our hearts closer and closer together.  She will soon be approaching an age when our relationship will be critical, and she will need me in different ways.  Please deepen the bonds, increase the trust, and lavish upon my heart wisdom, understanding, and grace.

May we both always be growing more and more like You.

May we forever laugh together, and walk through the aisles of life hand in hand.

Thank You for a date night with my daughter, and for the extravagant gift and indescribable joy of being her mom.

Cheddar-Parmesan Bread and Friday Night at Home

The minute my daughter stepped into the door from school this afternoon, she and her brother headed right back outside to play "secret agent." (I know.  Seriously cute.)  I brought a blanket and some Gooseberry Patch cookbooks outside, and sat on the blanket reading recipes and keeping an eye on my little agents as they ran and explored.  The breeze was strong, and the huge trees that line the empty field behind our house serenaded us as they sighed and cracked in the wind.  I was enjoying the moment, and the fact that we had no plans for the evening but to simply stay in as a family.

I was planning on cooking an easy, inexpensive dinner and while scanning through one of the cookbooks I came across a recipe for Cheddar-Parmesan Bread that sounded really tasty.  The best part was I had the ingredients on hand, all except for oregano which I substituted with a little Italian Seasoning.  This bread was so easy and truly yummy!  

Cheddar Parmesan Bread

1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix 

1 cup shredded  Cheddar cheese 

1/4 grated Parmesan cheese 

1/2 t. dried oregano 

1/2 cup milk 

1 egg, beaten

Mix in bowl...stir together to form thick batter.  Put in greased 8" round cake pan.  Drizzle with 2 T melted butter (I just brushed on a little olive oil instead).  Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes.  Let cool for 10 minutes; cut in wedges and serve warm.

This bread had a biscuit like texture and the flavor lent itself to the biscuits at Red Lobster.  In fact, the next time I make it I'm going to add a little garlic powder to bring out that flavor even more!  I served it up with some good old spaghetti...

And green beans, the one vegetable my son actually gets excited about!  I always rinse canned green beans in cool water, then cook them with a smidgen of olive oil and sea salt.

We enjoyed our meal and unhurried evening at home.  Sometimes there is nothing I'd rather do on a Friday night than stay in, and this was one of those times!  Though we actually did sneak out for a few minutes...my husband suggested some ice cream from Sonic for a treat, and I had a gift card leftover from my birthday in June!  

Simple pleasures.

Now the kids have long been asleep and I think I will soon follow.

Good bread, good meal, good night.

Sleep tight.

Thursday Meal Makeover

Thursday my day was very fragmented.   I had to run into Walmart, and while there I started wondering what I should make for dinner, knowing it would have to be something I could put together quickly.  I happened upon a pack of fresh Purdue chicken breasts for $3.88 (a lovely surprise in this age of expensive groceries) so I thought I'd try a pre-made marinade to go with the chicken.  This Hawaiian one looked interesting, so I gave it a go.  

I am happy to report the entire family enjoyed it!  My pickiest was a skeptic upon first glance but ended up being pleasantly surprised when he tried it. The fruit juices in the marinade gave it a mild sweetness, and the chicken was gobbled up (no pun intended).  These veggie Steamers were on sale as well so I made a few bags.  I don't know what I did before these - I am a huge fan!!  Love the simplicity, and love when they go on sale!

I had some lime and avocado I'd picked up at Aldi earlier in the week, and with a little sea salt mixed in I made some nice, simple guacamole...

Then I made a loaf of this bread, but with pineapple added to the dough and without the butter.

The meal had a fresh, sweet, vibe and it came together quickly.  

A nice change to try something new and eat something out of the ordinary on a busy Thursday!