Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Weekly Farm Fresh Deals

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 11:13 AM 0 comments
Progresso Soup vegetable soups: on sale $1/each; $.50/2 coupon doubled = 2 for $1

Colgate toothpaste: on sale $1; $1/1coupon = free

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel pastries: on sale $2.59; $.55/2 coupon doubled = 2 for $4.08

Turkey Hill Tea: on sale $1.79; $1/2 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = 2 for $1.58

Turkey Hill Ice Cream: on sale $3; $1/1 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = $1

Yoplait Delights 4-pack: on sale $2.50; $1/1 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = $.50

Danactive Yogurt 4-pack: on sale $2.50; $1/1 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = $.50

Campbell’s Soup at Hand Cups: on sale $1.25; $1/2 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = 2 for $.50

Campbell’s Select Harvest soups: on sale $1.67; $.40/2 doubled = 2 for $2.54

General Mills: on sale $2.50; $1/2 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = 2 for $3

Blue Diamond Almonds: on sale $3; $.75/1 coupon doubled = $1.50

Ritz: on sale $2.89; bogo coupon = 2 for $2.89

Kellogg’s: $1.50 each when you buy 10 rice krispies treats ($1/2 coupon doubled)/cinnabon
snack bars($.75/1 coupon doubled)/cracker packs; if you have two of each coupon = 10 for $11

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

This week's menu

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 5:45 PM 0 comments
Sunday - spaghetti sause with angel hair noodles, salad
Monday - ham (glazed, spiral), rolls, fried potatoes (with onion and red pepper), green beans (steamed)
Tuesday - turkey, gravy, brocolli, corn, rolls
Wednesday - steak, baked potatoes, salad
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - ordering pizza!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sing joyful songs

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 9:23 AM 0 comments
David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 15:16

Music is a wonderful tool, that we are fortunate to have access to any time we want. Although tainted throughout the generations, music is a gift from God. When we listen to, sing, hum, or remember the joyful, worshipful songs we move closer to God and are filled with His joy. It can change the course of a day, a mood, or the perspective we have on things. What a gift!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Gambler Mommy

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 2:06 PM 0 comments
You know Kenny Roger's The Gambler, right? Well get the tune in your head and read below.

On a warm summers evenin the phone rang from somewhere
It was my girlfriend finally; we were both walking half asleep.
We’d both been wrapped up in babies, wiping noses and hinies
Til we didn’t know up from down, but we needed to talk.

She said, girl, I’ve made a life out of carin for babies,
And knowin what they’re about and how to stay a step ahead.
So if you don’t mind my sayin, I can hear you’re about at the end.
For a night of babysitting I’ll give you some advice.

So I agreed on a date and she wrote it on the calendar.
Then she sighed and I heard the door shut behind her.
And the night got deathly quiet, and her voice lost all depression.
Said, if you’re gonna outlive em, ya gotta learn to live it right.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to scold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to lunge.
You always count to a hundred when their pushing your buttons.
There’ll be time enough for punishin when the anger’s gone.

Now evry mommy knows that the secret to surviving
Is knowing when to let it go and knowing what to say.
Cause evry child’s a blessing and every child’s a sinner,
And the best that you can hope is for them to love your God.

So when she’d finished speakin, she stayed in the dark silence,
Stepped back into the house and started on laundry.
And somewhere in the darkness the mommy, she was praised.
And in her wisest words I found an ace that I could keep.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to scold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to lunge.
You always count to a hundred when their pushing your buttons.
There’ll be time enough for punishin when the anger’s gone.

Now evry mommy knows that the secret to surviving
Is knowing when to let it go and knowing what to say.
Cause evry child’s a blessing and every child’s a sinner,
And the best that you can hope for is them to love your God.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Farm Fresh Deals

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 11:44 AM 0 comments
Jimmy Dean Bowls: $3 (buy 2 get 1), $1 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $1/each; buy three with two coupons get them for $.67 each

Jimmy Dean Entree: $3 (buy 2 get 1), $.75 coupon doubled = $1.50; buy three with two coupons get them for $1 each

Hot/Lean Pockets: $2, $1/3 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $4 for three ($1.33 each)

Emerald Nuts: buy 1 get 1; $1.50/2 coupon

Crystal Light on the go Drink Mix Sticks: 2/$6; $2/2 coupon = $4 for 2

Betty Crocker Potatoes: $1.69; $.25 coupon doubled = $1.19

Wanchi Ferri Dinner: $4.49; $2 coupon = $2.49

Swanson Chunk Chicken: $1.99; $.75/2 coupon doubled = $2.48 for 2

General Mills Cereals: 2/$7; $1/2 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $5 for 2

Ovrille Redenbachers Microwave popcorn: 2/$4; $.40 coupon doubled = $1.20 each

Hershey's kisses: $3.79, $1 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $1.79

Ritz crackers: BoGo; use two coupons to buy for and get back $3 instantly (Nabisco special)

Tide: $10.99; $1 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $8.99

Spray & Wash: $2.50; $.50 coupon doubled = $1.50

Airwick Freshmatic Ultra Kit: $9.99; $6 coupon (should work) = $3.99

Kleenex tissues: $1.25; $.50/3 coupon doubled = $2.75 for 3

Garnier shampoo/conditioner: $3.79; $.75 coupon doubled = $2.29

Campbell's chicken noodle or tomato soup: $.50; $.40/4 coupon doubled = $1.20 for 4

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This Week's Menu

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 12:35 PM 0 comments
Monday - breaded fish, fried potatoes, green beans

Tuesday - swiss steak(brown 2lb floured cube steak in 1/4c olive oil, set aside; cook 3/4c celery & 3/4c onions chopped in remaining oil until soft. Add 1 1/2c ketchup, 1c water, 1/8c A1, tsp worchestershire, & 2T brown sugar. Return meat, cover and simmer on medium for 2 hours), mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables

Wednesday - chick-fil-a (first day of AWANA's)

Thursday - chicken taco ring (brown chicken in olive oil with taco seasoning, spoon onto flattened, staggered crescent rolls, top with cheese, close crescent rolls on top, cook 350 for 150 minutes), salsa, sour cream

Friday - leftovers

Monday, September 14, 2009

Pleasure or Joy?

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 8:34 PM 0 comments
We find joy not in taking the easy way out or doing what is fun, but pressing through the challenges and things we don't want to do for the long term rewards.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Breastfeeding and the flu

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 3:21 PM 0 comments
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20766-Richmond-Breastfeeding--Examiner~y2009m9d10-Breastfeeding-and-the-flu

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Farm Fresh Deals

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 12:31 PM 0 comments
Only one coupon that's a $1 that matches sale items this week. All other coupons will be doubled any day of the week.

Yoplait Yogurt Cups .40/6 coupon doubled; on sale 10 for $5 = 6 for $2.20 (.37 each)

Smithfield Smoked Sausage .55/1 coupon doubled; on sale 2 for $6 = 1 for $1.90

Land o Lakes spread/margarine .30/1 coupon doubled; on sale 2 for $5 = 1 for $1.90

Pillsbury sweet rolls .40/2 coupon doubled; on sale $2.99 = 2 for $5.18 (2.59 each)

Pillsbury cookie dough $1/2 or $.55/1 coupon doubled; on sale for $2.49 = 1 for $1.39 or 2 for $2.98 (1.49 each)

Quaker Granola Bars $1/1 doubled ; on sale 2 for $4 = free (doubled coupon on Wed. only)

Crisco Oil $.55/1 coupon doubled ; on sale $3.59 = $2.49

Huggies wipes $.50/1 coupon doubled; on sale $6.99 = $5.99

Huggies Diapers $1.50 coupon; on sale $9.99 = $7.49

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

This Week's Menu

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 9:14 AM 0 comments
Sunday - roast (cooked in worchestershire, water, and rosemary & herb, 325 for 2 2/1 hours) with carrots and potatoes, rolls, green beans

Monday - turkey (pre-cooked breast) stove top stuffing, brocolli & rolls

Tuesday - leftover day

Wednesday - sweet & sour meatballs (mix 1 1/2 lb hamburger, 2/3c crumbled ritz, liption onion soup mix, 1 egg, 1/4t ginger, 1/4c milk - roll into balls bake 350 for 10-15 minutes; sauce - mix 2T cornstarch & 1/2 brown sugar, add 1 can pineapple juice from pineapple chunks can, 1/3c vinegar, & 1T soy sauce - heat on med/high stirring constantly until thick; add meatballs and 1/2 can of pineapple chunks), rice, green beans

Thursday - pork chops (marinated and cooked in bbq sauce), salad, bread

Friday - parmesan chicken tenders (dip in egg, then parmesan/bread crumb mixture), noodles, marinara sauce, mixed veggies

Monday, September 7, 2009

How do You do it All?

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 11:31 AM 0 comments
"I don't know how you do all you do" is a statement that I hear quite a bit. It always gets me to thinking, do I really do that much? I'm an almost-stay-at-home mom (I work out of the house one day a week) of four beautiful children, a wife, a writer, a blogger, daughter, friend, women's ministry co-leader at my church, and have various other activities such making and canning salsa from my own garden during the summer. I guess it is a lot. So, how do I do it all?

Well, sometimes I do to much and get in over my head. For about three years in a row around this time of year I had to step back and step out of some things because I was getting overwhelmed. This year, despite having baby number four, I don't feel that way. I've learned tricks and tips and tools to help me focus on what I need to do when I need to do it.

The first is organization. When I'm organized I can get ever so much more done. While I find it more challenging to stay organized than ever, when I'm making my to do lists and planning menus and planning trips to the grocery store, things seem to go much more smoothly. When I know what there is to be done, and when I want it to be done, I can prioritize. And I can have the satisfaction of marking things off my list!

The second is to pray about everything. Well, this really should be first, because it comes into play before taking on anything extra. I'm still working on making this first. Should I do this? Should I give up that? I know that if I rely on God to lead me into the things He has planned for me, I won't get in over my head. I also know that I have to lean on Him for strength and wisdom to get things done. If I do it His way, it will be more efficient, more productive, and come with more blessings.

The third is to give up any sense of control over anything other than yourself and any notions of perfection. I think this is where many of us women who are used to achieving at a high level tend to send ourselves over the edge of stress oblivion. We like to live in the illusion that we have control over other people and circumstances. These things are really out of our control (even our children, we can influence and motivate our children through parenting them lovingly and with authority, but we don't have control over them) and trying to control them will use way more energy than we'll ever have. Perfection and expectations of perfection fall into this boat because perfection is usually about control. I don't have to control every aspect of my household (that would run me down) nor does my house have to be perfect. I like it to be clean and I like it to be straight, but with four children under 7, it doesn't stay that way very long. So I can spend all my time chasing after control and perfection and have a house worthy of Southern Living, or I can live in my house and enjoy it, my family, and the career God's called me to.

So, the answer is, I don't do it all. I do what I'm called to do and do it good enough. I'm a little slack on the housework at times, but the dust will eventually get wiped off (only to come back a couple days later) and the floor will get mopped (only to have something spilt on it an hour later), but in the meantime, I'm going to spend today working on building relationships and fulfilling my call to write to encourage others in their lives, relationships, and most importantly, their relationship with God.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Do Nothing Days

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 8:31 AM 0 comments
I'm a firm believer that we moms need a do nothing day every once in a while. With our busy schedules and demands on us they don't often just happen. We have to make them happen and be okay with leaving things til tomorrow (once in a while, not always.)

I had one of those days yesterday. I didn't plan it, it just happened. I had a to do list, but interrupted sleep was catching up with me (and I had a new fiction book to read.) So, I had a do nothing day. Well...not exactly NOTHING. I fed my kids three meals, put steaks on marinade and separated hamburger to put in the freezer. I checked in with FaceBook, email, and Twitter. I even sent out a few emails. But overall, I rested (in search of a nap most of the day until I finally got one around 2:30) and read most of the day. Although nothing on my to do list got done, I feel more refreshed and ready to tackle things today.

Ironic that I'm in the middle of writing my chapter on health, and just earlier this week wrote the section on resting our minds. Ironic, or actually putting into practice what I believe?

Thursday, September 3, 2009

New Examiner Posts

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 9:34 AM 0 comments
Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20766-Richmond-Breastfeeding--Examiner~y2009m8d30-Going-back-to-work-and-breastfeeding


Top 10 Benefits of Breastfeeding

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20766-Richmond-Breastfeeding--Examiner~y2009m8d31-Top-10-benefits-of-breastfeeding

The Truth about Breastfeeding

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20766-Richmond-Breastfeeding--Examiner~y2009m9d1-The-truth-about-breastfeeding

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Book Recommendation

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 7:14 PM 0 comments
Recommends "A Gift of Grace" by Amy Clipston.

Synopsis: When Rebecca Kauffman’s older sister, who left the Amish community when she was a teenager, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two modern non-Amish teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. Will she be able to reconcile the two worlds in her home—or will the clash of cultures tear her world, including her marriage, apart?

Description: Rebecca Kauffman’s tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her "English" sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife. Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as Jessica’s rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful family life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God.

Farm Fresh Deals

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 2:29 PM 0 comments
Meant to have Farm Fresh deals posted today, but haven't been able to go through them. I am streamlining my process, though, and will be back up and running next Wednesday!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

This week in the life of a writing, blogging, Jesus-loving, home-schooling, wife and mommy of 4

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 8:33 AM 1 comments
Monday - work, examiner article, clip coupons

Tuesday - budget proposal for women's conference to church staff, proposal for budget writing article, laundry (sheets, towels, adult clothes), Colby school, clean bathrooms, examiner article, work on book, county fair meeting

Wednesday - work on preschool curriculum, Colby school, dust, vacuum, mop, work on book, call hotel to confirm for women's conference, go to church for sign up night

Thursday - work on preschool curriculum, Colby school, examiner article, work on "The Best Birthday Ever," work on book (nap, maybe?)

Friday - hmmm...we'll see

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Weekly Farm Fresh Deals

Progresso Soup vegetable soups: on sale $1/each; $.50/2 coupon doubled = 2 for $1

Colgate toothpaste: on sale $1; $1/1coupon = free

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel pastries: on sale $2.59; $.55/2 coupon doubled = 2 for $4.08

Turkey Hill Tea: on sale $1.79; $1/2 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = 2 for $1.58

Turkey Hill Ice Cream: on sale $3; $1/1 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = $1

Yoplait Delights 4-pack: on sale $2.50; $1/1 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = $.50

Danactive Yogurt 4-pack: on sale $2.50; $1/1 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = $.50

Campbell’s Soup at Hand Cups: on sale $1.25; $1/2 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = 2 for $.50

Campbell’s Select Harvest soups: on sale $1.67; $.40/2 doubled = 2 for $2.54

General Mills: on sale $2.50; $1/2 coupon doubled (Wed. only) = 2 for $3

Blue Diamond Almonds: on sale $3; $.75/1 coupon doubled = $1.50

Ritz: on sale $2.89; bogo coupon = 2 for $2.89

Kellogg’s: $1.50 each when you buy 10 rice krispies treats ($1/2 coupon doubled)/cinnabon
snack bars($.75/1 coupon doubled)/cracker packs; if you have two of each coupon = 10 for $11

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

This week's menu

Sunday - spaghetti sause with angel hair noodles, salad
Monday - ham (glazed, spiral), rolls, fried potatoes (with onion and red pepper), green beans (steamed)
Tuesday - turkey, gravy, brocolli, corn, rolls
Wednesday - steak, baked potatoes, salad
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - ordering pizza!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sing joyful songs

David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 15:16

Music is a wonderful tool, that we are fortunate to have access to any time we want. Although tainted throughout the generations, music is a gift from God. When we listen to, sing, hum, or remember the joyful, worshipful songs we move closer to God and are filled with His joy. It can change the course of a day, a mood, or the perspective we have on things. What a gift!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Gambler Mommy

You know Kenny Roger's The Gambler, right? Well get the tune in your head and read below.

On a warm summers evenin the phone rang from somewhere
It was my girlfriend finally; we were both walking half asleep.
We’d both been wrapped up in babies, wiping noses and hinies
Til we didn’t know up from down, but we needed to talk.

She said, girl, I’ve made a life out of carin for babies,
And knowin what they’re about and how to stay a step ahead.
So if you don’t mind my sayin, I can hear you’re about at the end.
For a night of babysitting I’ll give you some advice.

So I agreed on a date and she wrote it on the calendar.
Then she sighed and I heard the door shut behind her.
And the night got deathly quiet, and her voice lost all depression.
Said, if you’re gonna outlive em, ya gotta learn to live it right.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to scold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to lunge.
You always count to a hundred when their pushing your buttons.
There’ll be time enough for punishin when the anger’s gone.

Now evry mommy knows that the secret to surviving
Is knowing when to let it go and knowing what to say.
Cause evry child’s a blessing and every child’s a sinner,
And the best that you can hope is for them to love your God.

So when she’d finished speakin, she stayed in the dark silence,
Stepped back into the house and started on laundry.
And somewhere in the darkness the mommy, she was praised.
And in her wisest words I found an ace that I could keep.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to scold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to lunge.
You always count to a hundred when their pushing your buttons.
There’ll be time enough for punishin when the anger’s gone.

Now evry mommy knows that the secret to surviving
Is knowing when to let it go and knowing what to say.
Cause evry child’s a blessing and every child’s a sinner,
And the best that you can hope for is them to love your God.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Farm Fresh Deals

Jimmy Dean Bowls: $3 (buy 2 get 1), $1 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $1/each; buy three with two coupons get them for $.67 each

Jimmy Dean Entree: $3 (buy 2 get 1), $.75 coupon doubled = $1.50; buy three with two coupons get them for $1 each

Hot/Lean Pockets: $2, $1/3 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $4 for three ($1.33 each)

Emerald Nuts: buy 1 get 1; $1.50/2 coupon

Crystal Light on the go Drink Mix Sticks: 2/$6; $2/2 coupon = $4 for 2

Betty Crocker Potatoes: $1.69; $.25 coupon doubled = $1.19

Wanchi Ferri Dinner: $4.49; $2 coupon = $2.49

Swanson Chunk Chicken: $1.99; $.75/2 coupon doubled = $2.48 for 2

General Mills Cereals: 2/$7; $1/2 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $5 for 2

Ovrille Redenbachers Microwave popcorn: 2/$4; $.40 coupon doubled = $1.20 each

Hershey's kisses: $3.79, $1 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $1.79

Ritz crackers: BoGo; use two coupons to buy for and get back $3 instantly (Nabisco special)

Tide: $10.99; $1 coupon (doubled on Wed.) = $8.99

Spray & Wash: $2.50; $.50 coupon doubled = $1.50

Airwick Freshmatic Ultra Kit: $9.99; $6 coupon (should work) = $3.99

Kleenex tissues: $1.25; $.50/3 coupon doubled = $2.75 for 3

Garnier shampoo/conditioner: $3.79; $.75 coupon doubled = $2.29

Campbell's chicken noodle or tomato soup: $.50; $.40/4 coupon doubled = $1.20 for 4

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This Week's Menu

Monday - breaded fish, fried potatoes, green beans

Tuesday - swiss steak(brown 2lb floured cube steak in 1/4c olive oil, set aside; cook 3/4c celery & 3/4c onions chopped in remaining oil until soft. Add 1 1/2c ketchup, 1c water, 1/8c A1, tsp worchestershire, & 2T brown sugar. Return meat, cover and simmer on medium for 2 hours), mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables

Wednesday - chick-fil-a (first day of AWANA's)

Thursday - chicken taco ring (brown chicken in olive oil with taco seasoning, spoon onto flattened, staggered crescent rolls, top with cheese, close crescent rolls on top, cook 350 for 150 minutes), salsa, sour cream

Friday - leftovers

Monday, September 14, 2009

Pleasure or Joy?

We find joy not in taking the easy way out or doing what is fun, but pressing through the challenges and things we don't want to do for the long term rewards.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Farm Fresh Deals

Only one coupon that's a $1 that matches sale items this week. All other coupons will be doubled any day of the week.

Yoplait Yogurt Cups .40/6 coupon doubled; on sale 10 for $5 = 6 for $2.20 (.37 each)

Smithfield Smoked Sausage .55/1 coupon doubled; on sale 2 for $6 = 1 for $1.90

Land o Lakes spread/margarine .30/1 coupon doubled; on sale 2 for $5 = 1 for $1.90

Pillsbury sweet rolls .40/2 coupon doubled; on sale $2.99 = 2 for $5.18 (2.59 each)

Pillsbury cookie dough $1/2 or $.55/1 coupon doubled; on sale for $2.49 = 1 for $1.39 or 2 for $2.98 (1.49 each)

Quaker Granola Bars $1/1 doubled ; on sale 2 for $4 = free (doubled coupon on Wed. only)

Crisco Oil $.55/1 coupon doubled ; on sale $3.59 = $2.49

Huggies wipes $.50/1 coupon doubled; on sale $6.99 = $5.99

Huggies Diapers $1.50 coupon; on sale $9.99 = $7.49

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

This Week's Menu

Sunday - roast (cooked in worchestershire, water, and rosemary & herb, 325 for 2 2/1 hours) with carrots and potatoes, rolls, green beans

Monday - turkey (pre-cooked breast) stove top stuffing, brocolli & rolls

Tuesday - leftover day

Wednesday - sweet & sour meatballs (mix 1 1/2 lb hamburger, 2/3c crumbled ritz, liption onion soup mix, 1 egg, 1/4t ginger, 1/4c milk - roll into balls bake 350 for 10-15 minutes; sauce - mix 2T cornstarch & 1/2 brown sugar, add 1 can pineapple juice from pineapple chunks can, 1/3c vinegar, & 1T soy sauce - heat on med/high stirring constantly until thick; add meatballs and 1/2 can of pineapple chunks), rice, green beans

Thursday - pork chops (marinated and cooked in bbq sauce), salad, bread

Friday - parmesan chicken tenders (dip in egg, then parmesan/bread crumb mixture), noodles, marinara sauce, mixed veggies

Monday, September 7, 2009

How do You do it All?

"I don't know how you do all you do" is a statement that I hear quite a bit. It always gets me to thinking, do I really do that much? I'm an almost-stay-at-home mom (I work out of the house one day a week) of four beautiful children, a wife, a writer, a blogger, daughter, friend, women's ministry co-leader at my church, and have various other activities such making and canning salsa from my own garden during the summer. I guess it is a lot. So, how do I do it all?

Well, sometimes I do to much and get in over my head. For about three years in a row around this time of year I had to step back and step out of some things because I was getting overwhelmed. This year, despite having baby number four, I don't feel that way. I've learned tricks and tips and tools to help me focus on what I need to do when I need to do it.

The first is organization. When I'm organized I can get ever so much more done. While I find it more challenging to stay organized than ever, when I'm making my to do lists and planning menus and planning trips to the grocery store, things seem to go much more smoothly. When I know what there is to be done, and when I want it to be done, I can prioritize. And I can have the satisfaction of marking things off my list!

The second is to pray about everything. Well, this really should be first, because it comes into play before taking on anything extra. I'm still working on making this first. Should I do this? Should I give up that? I know that if I rely on God to lead me into the things He has planned for me, I won't get in over my head. I also know that I have to lean on Him for strength and wisdom to get things done. If I do it His way, it will be more efficient, more productive, and come with more blessings.

The third is to give up any sense of control over anything other than yourself and any notions of perfection. I think this is where many of us women who are used to achieving at a high level tend to send ourselves over the edge of stress oblivion. We like to live in the illusion that we have control over other people and circumstances. These things are really out of our control (even our children, we can influence and motivate our children through parenting them lovingly and with authority, but we don't have control over them) and trying to control them will use way more energy than we'll ever have. Perfection and expectations of perfection fall into this boat because perfection is usually about control. I don't have to control every aspect of my household (that would run me down) nor does my house have to be perfect. I like it to be clean and I like it to be straight, but with four children under 7, it doesn't stay that way very long. So I can spend all my time chasing after control and perfection and have a house worthy of Southern Living, or I can live in my house and enjoy it, my family, and the career God's called me to.

So, the answer is, I don't do it all. I do what I'm called to do and do it good enough. I'm a little slack on the housework at times, but the dust will eventually get wiped off (only to come back a couple days later) and the floor will get mopped (only to have something spilt on it an hour later), but in the meantime, I'm going to spend today working on building relationships and fulfilling my call to write to encourage others in their lives, relationships, and most importantly, their relationship with God.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Do Nothing Days

I'm a firm believer that we moms need a do nothing day every once in a while. With our busy schedules and demands on us they don't often just happen. We have to make them happen and be okay with leaving things til tomorrow (once in a while, not always.)

I had one of those days yesterday. I didn't plan it, it just happened. I had a to do list, but interrupted sleep was catching up with me (and I had a new fiction book to read.) So, I had a do nothing day. Well...not exactly NOTHING. I fed my kids three meals, put steaks on marinade and separated hamburger to put in the freezer. I checked in with FaceBook, email, and Twitter. I even sent out a few emails. But overall, I rested (in search of a nap most of the day until I finally got one around 2:30) and read most of the day. Although nothing on my to do list got done, I feel more refreshed and ready to tackle things today.

Ironic that I'm in the middle of writing my chapter on health, and just earlier this week wrote the section on resting our minds. Ironic, or actually putting into practice what I believe?

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Book Recommendation

Recommends "A Gift of Grace" by Amy Clipston.

Synopsis: When Rebecca Kauffman’s older sister, who left the Amish community when she was a teenager, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two modern non-Amish teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. Will she be able to reconcile the two worlds in her home—or will the clash of cultures tear her world, including her marriage, apart?

Description: Rebecca Kauffman’s tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her "English" sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife. Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as Jessica’s rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful family life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God.

Farm Fresh Deals

Meant to have Farm Fresh deals posted today, but haven't been able to go through them. I am streamlining my process, though, and will be back up and running next Wednesday!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

This week in the life of a writing, blogging, Jesus-loving, home-schooling, wife and mommy of 4

Monday - work, examiner article, clip coupons

Tuesday - budget proposal for women's conference to church staff, proposal for budget writing article, laundry (sheets, towels, adult clothes), Colby school, clean bathrooms, examiner article, work on book, county fair meeting

Wednesday - work on preschool curriculum, Colby school, dust, vacuum, mop, work on book, call hotel to confirm for women's conference, go to church for sign up night

Thursday - work on preschool curriculum, Colby school, examiner article, work on "The Best Birthday Ever," work on book (nap, maybe?)

Friday - hmmm...we'll see
 

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