Happy Homemaker Monday

It's another Monday and despite staying up a bit too late and then sleeping in too late, I've actually gotten a good chunk of things done today! But we all know for homemakers that it's never really done :) Happy Monday to you! 

As I look outside my window:::
It is so amazingly SUNNY this afternoon. My neighbor is busy cleaning her windows and I'm feeling like...should I be doing that too?! Who knows when we'll have this much sunshine again. 

Right now I am::: 
Drinking my tall glass of ice water, enjoying the quiet while my children sleep.  

Thinking and pondering:::
I have so much to do before June when our new baby arrives. Working on laundry earlier down in our basement reminded me... another purge is necessary. Bah! Where does this all come from?  

On my bedside table:::
Good news! I set up a bedside table this weekend :) Ha! On it I have a New Testament and a year of devotions book by Colin Smith. Great reading, one for each day (or night in my case). 

On my tv tonight:::
Nothing planned. 

Listening to:::
The quiet...but really the obnoxiously LOUD hum of this desktop computer. I'm dreaming of a lap top someday. :)

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Mac n' 7 cheeses & sauteed sweet peppers. 
Tuesday - Mexican Lasagna (never got to make it last week)
Wednesday - left over night :) 
Thursday - Green Pepper Steak
Friday - Chicken Burritos
Saturday - Mini Meatloaves & mashed potatoes
Sunday - Hamburger Noodle Bake

*all my menu this month is from the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks :) 

On my to do list:::
Two-ish more loads of laundry & a quilt

Clean the microwave out

Put away allllll the clean clothes

Find ONE MORE dr on our new insurance plan

Plans for this week:::
Ballet kicks back up tonight for my 5 year old! 

Cell group tomorrow, youth on Weds, New Peds appointment on Fri. 

Working on a picture wall in our family room. 


What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Well... We have this HUGE family room (formerly a garage) that we are daunted by how to decorate. Hubs has the idea of putting up a big picture wall, so I'm on a mission to order, print pics, find frames, etc. 

NEED to start Valentines decor asap! 
 
My simple pleasure:::
A quiet conversation with my husband in our front room, both with a mug of hot coffee, first thing in the morning.   

Lesson learned the past week:::
Flexibility is key. Ongoing lesson... 

We were able to host our cell group last week and it was such a joy to just be go with the flow... let kids play...people munch on easy snacks... and a good time in the word. If I were uptight about my unclean master bathroom upstairs, my heart would have been out line.   

Looking around the house:::
Doing good today! Piles of clean laundry ready to be put away, dishwasher done and ready to unload. Kids were pretending today using my pots/pans and every available blanket - but I might let those go today :) 

From the camera:::

Youth Ministry! A pic of hubs and I... and some of our amazing teens last weekend at winter retreat! Love them. (I'm in the red...barely able to button my coat now :) ) 

Prayer List:::
Making decisions on new dr's with our new insurance. Stresses me out.

Friends with new babies! 

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Loved this little quip from a book I'm reading, about hospitality...

"God's gracious leading has taught me that having people in our home does not require serving up perfection on all fronts. It is simply providing a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere of kindness without expecting anything in return." -Shirley Rankin, Letters to Pastors Wives

The Playroom. {Aka: Where all the bad toys go.}

As I'm writing this post I keep thinking of the scene in Toy Story 3 where the characters find out for the first time just what classroom they are really in. Hint if you haven't seen it: It's NOT the one with the "nice" children. :) Poor Mr. Potato head. Ah, toys... great for kids, slightly irritating to this feeling-chaotic momma.

Source

So anyway, the Lord has given us this great home and we so enjoy being here. I've shared before my home-body-ness, but it goes beyond that really. I love opening our home to people: teens and youth leaders, friends for dinner, bible studies, babysitting, etc. Having a home is a gift to be used and I mean that! We are by no means the nicest decorated or organized, but we are rooms full of love and I think that's really all people need anyway. And maybe some coffee. Yea, def some coffee. 

One of the biggest blessings of this particular home is the extra finished space in our basement. We've never had a place we could even label "the toy room", nonetheless a place that could also pass as a guest landing space. It's awesome! My goal before this baby comes is to transform the drab ol' boring space into something lovely for my children and any potential guests we could have. Pinterest (of course) has several good ideas out there for a combo room like I'm thinking. 

If this doesn't end up in the playroom... it WILL be a feature somewhere in this home. The stuffed animal situation is out of control. Hmph. But in all seriousness - containing the toys is the main point. 

I loved this room for several reasons: the colors, the play options, the organization.

It seems like it should be so simple right? Organize the toys, throw up some paint, make it cozy. But see... I get to our space and it's plain and drab and I lose the vision so we settle for dress up clothes on the hanger and call it a day. Ha! 

Here's what we have to work with - 3 views.

looking in from the door

looking on from the closet

looking towards the door from the back wall

Isn't this such a great space potential? So I'm on a mission to make it extra special! 

And the space outside of this room would even be great with some love. Right now it's a make-shift craft station. I'd love to throw my desk down there and use the space to work near the children while they play.

I was thinking it might be cute to display some of our fun family pics down here. Loved this idea of using the "out takes" of photo shoots. We never seem to have a shortage on those. 

And I loved the diy cornice idea for our two small slider windows. I have a friend who made these once by wrapping up shaped pieces of styrofoam. Seems easy, right?

The challenge has begun and I guess it really just starts with PICKING a paint color and then running with it. I'm all ears if you have suggestions or before/afters of what you've done. Hoping to have a before and after to share with you... before June! :) Happy Homemaking today, whatever your task! 

That's Bananas!

If you aren't from 'round here you may not know that the entire state of Iowa is in a panic as we endure this ARCTIC VORTEX that's hovering over the midwest. We had a high of -34 (windchill) yesterday, so today's 11 feels almost balmy. And all the Minnesota-ians are rolling their eyes, Ha!

I'm kind of a cold weather gal, myself, and don't mind the cozy days "stuck" at home. Recently I almost wonder if I'm becoming some kind of introvert... then I remember I'm really not. I just adore being home, always have, probably always will. So, yesterday I fired up the oven and set to work on making all things delicous with the mound of blackening bananas I had acquired. It was a win-win really. Win because the warm oven lended to a warmer home, and another win because YAY banana brownies, banana bread and (today) cinnamon swirl banana bread. Plus, triple win...smells amazing. I'm thrilled with how each item is turning out, especially the bread - I shouldn't be surprised as it's Martha's recipe :) Today I'm sharing links with you so you can try it yourself.

First up, banana brownies. These are great for you choco-banana lovers like me :)

I love that they were simple and it's a smaller recipe (think 8x8 pan) so I'm not tempted to eat an entire 9x13. Hey, it's happened. You can find the link to this recipe here. You won't be disappointed! 

Then there's THE ultimate over all banana breads in my opinion. Martha's. :) 

It has a semi-crusty outside and amazing, soft and chewy inside. I don't how that's possible, but I love eating it. It has sour cream in it which can be subbed in with greek yogurt or something I'm sure. It took about an hour and some minutes to bake but was well worth the wait! This gal featured it on her blog and it was a happy find for me. Find the recipe here. 

Today I'm working on this beauty...cinnamon swirl banana bread. what?! And yes I am really that excited and yes it appears my appetite has resurfaced. :) 

"Lovin' from the Oven" is where you'll find this jewel. Anything with a cinnamon-ey topping like this is a gold star in my book :) Click here to drool... I mean, find it. 

And last on this banana's day (hehe) I feature my afternoon snack. It's simple, yummy, and quick. It's really another one of those win-win-win things I'm all about right now. And, it uses up even more of the banana mound. PLUS, it was featured in Fitness magazine, so....there. Check it here. 

I think I'm down to 5 or 6 bananas left over now (oy!). What do you make with your going-bad bananas? Any tips or tricks? Have a great day and praise the Lord for our warm homes and yummy treats! 

Happy Homemaker Monday {freezing-ness edition}

 

Greetings from the state of Iowa, or, Alaska... they are feeling basically the same today as we register -34 windchill. Tho, I'm not complaining. Life in our home is warm. The oven is baking some bread, kiddos are napping, and the sun that we do have is streaming in my dining room kitchen. Happy Monday from where I sit to where you are!

As I look outside my window:::
It's the coldest day I can remember in awhile. Everything just looks cold! Even the neighbors flag is just barely moving in the wind. My sad, dead, Christmas tree was tossed onto the back deck this morning - pine needles are EV.RY.WHERE.

Right now I am:::
Baking Banana Brownies in the oven and sitting in my dining room enjoying some David Nevue music. Soothing to my frazzled self this afternoon.

Thinking and pondering:::
We had a busy weekend with our annual youth retreat. Today I just feel tired and cranky. Add to that, I'm taking down all the Christmas decor so the house looks boring and plain again.

On my bedside table:::
Still have no bedside tables up, but we do have an incredibly great industrial metal basket by our front room couch. In that basket I have: "Letters to Pastors Wives" edited by Catherine Stewart, my various bibles, and a Billy Graham biography I plan to start this month.

 
On my tv tonight:::
Monday. Hmmmm... we've been catching up on past seasons of Parenthood (I cry every episode), but nothing really set on the schedule.

Listening to:::
David Nevue - Adoration. It's THE best piano music for the days when you just neeeed calm. I first found him on Ann Voskamps blog. 

On the menu for this week:::
The freezing cold makes me want all things comforty :)
Monday - Honeymoon chicken & Biscuits
Tuesday - Pork Roast & mashed potatoes
Wednesday - Left overs
Thursday - Baked Spaghetti
Friday -
Saturday - Mexican Lasagna

Sunday - Mac n' 7 cheeses

On my to do list:::
General tidy of the downstairs

Run the dishwasher
Sweep up all the pine needles
Put away all the clean clothes

 

Plans for this week:::
Back to the grind this week - Starting back up our church mom's playgroup tomorrow, creating children's church craft, cell groups, taking a meal to a new momma, paying bills, figuring out our new insurance and finding new Dr's.


What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

I have about 10 old and blackening bananas, so today I'm baking and creating all good things banana style. After the brownies are done I'm trying Martha Stewarts basic banana bread and then a cinnamon swirl banana bread. It smells amazing up in here!

My simple pleasure:::
Watching my children play together. They are 2 and 5 and just getting into that good phase of pretend and all things dress up/fun. 

Even in the dead of winter...you'll find these two in their summer time dresses. They can't help themselves!

Lesson learned the past week:::
My husband functions SO much better when I go the extra mile to show love to him. During a stressful week, it's the little moments and conversations that mean the most to him and encourage his heart.

Looking around the house:::
Oh dear. Pine needles, laundry piles, toys, dishes, etc. It's a Monday for sure. :)

From the camera:::

Just love a new planner, filling up with GOOD things. 

Prayer List::: 

-Raising my children with purpose. Lately, I'm feeling worn and tired and it's SO easy to flip on a show for them - rather then pour in. I want to be diligent in this! I only get them once!

-Our retreat speaker is STILL suck here in IA as fights keep getting cancelled. Praying that Joe can get a flight back to Northern Michigan! 

 
Bible verse, Devotional:::

Nothing today.

WINNER of the giveaway and...let's talk weather.

CONGRATS TO BECKY 

on winning the giveaway this week with this comment : (chosen by random.org)

 becky said...

Letters to Pastors Wives. Because, well...I'm a pastors wife and can use all the help, guidance and wisdom I can get. Aside from that, this other very godly mother/pastors wife whom I admire recommended it to me. It woould be fun to win...thanks Mandi, and Happy New Year! Looks like God has some exciting things in store for you and your family this year! Thanks for being a blessing to me...even over all the miles! <3 i="">

Becky, your book will be shipped out next week, congrats again! Thank you to everyone for joining in the 2014 fun! Hoping to do more giveaways in the future :) 

Now, I don't know what it feels like where you live, but here in Iowa it is bitter, bitter, cold. I think last night it was -6 and I can hear our heater run and run. Wow, what a blessing when you stop to think about how important a warm home is. And beds, clothes, coats, etc. Trying to hard to teach my children to be thankful even for those things! 

We have been sticking close to home as its really too cold to go anywhere, but lastnight we ventured out as a family to the mall. The girls had some cabin fever and I had some Christmas money to spend :) I think several families must have had the same idea because even at 7pm the playplace still had several kids in it! 

I learned a lesson about myself - I'm not stylish. I purchased some of those tall boots that you see everyone wearing... you know, cute, tall, sleek. Only, I got home to realize in order to wear cute boots you have to have cute clothes to wear with them. I'm not a leggings, long sweaters, etc. kinda girl - more, jeans and cardigans. At first I was discouraged but came to realize that this is OK. It's ok to not dress and look like everyone else. I tell ya, even at 31 years old I still go through these "high school" phases of thought. Perhaps a life long battle? So, back to the mall we will go today to make another return. It was fun to pretend...but this momma needs something much more practical. :)

Stay warm out there today! And have a wonderful weekend! 

The month of celebration ends (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Me, being the coffee bar afficianado, at our youth Christmas party

Christmas Day has come and gone.

Cookies were swapped.

We have a 5 year old now.

I'm 17ish weeks along in this pregnancy.

Friends got married this weekend and we got to play a part.

Tonight is New Years Eve.

It has been a crazy, wonderful, busy, intense, blessed, season of Holidays for us. 

To be honest with you - our reality is that all this crazy, blessed, fullness just continues on. We have a youth retreat this weekend, I'm starting up our Mom's playgroup at church again, Hubs will be traveling for conferences and appointments, and life goes on. I guess I could look at life as ONE BIG FAT CELEBRATION all the time :) Yea, I'll do that. 

Even during the busy, God has been good in allowing me some time in His word {even when I'm lazy and not making it a priority...to my shame} and a few extra minutes to read through some encouraging and helpful books. I always want to be a woman that is learning and growing - it's important to not get stagnant. 

To kick off a NEW year and another 12 months to learn and grow - I'm doing a different type of giveaway today and I hope you'll join in the fun. I have chosen three books that I think are read worthy and if you are chosen the winner you choose the one you want! All you need to do is leave a comment stating which book you'd like to WIN and why. Simple, eh? I'll choose the winner this weekend - so you have 3 days to enter. If you aren't familiar with how to comment, or, aren't a blogger yourself - just be sure to at least leave your name and email on your comment so I can connect with you. 

Here are the options....{drumroll}....

"Letters to Pastors Wives" Edited by Catherine J. Stewart

This is a book of compiled letters from women who have "gone before" if you will. Here is what Amazon says about it: 

"There is no right 'type' of pastors' wife, only the one whose heart is wholly set on serving Christ."

Pastors' wives encounter special challenges as well as special joys. These letters from the seasoned wives of seasoned pastors provide empathy, wise counsel, and encouragement on a wide range of topics, including:

Campus Ministry, Church Conflict, Friendship, Hospitality, Ministry Abroad, Pastors' Kids, Priorities, Support for Your Husband, and more."

Some of the contributors were: Margy Tripp, Noelle Wilkerson, Pam Schweitzer and Sarah Ascol.

I am LOVING this encouraging and challenging book in my own quiet moments while my kids are asleep. I just finished a chapter about humility and it was convicting to the CORE - compiled with scripture and life stories, it's just exactly my type of reading. If you are a current pastors wife, hope to be one, or even just a ministry leaders helper - you would enjoy this book. 

"Glimpses of Grace" by Gloria Furman

"Sometimes life feels a lot like a burden—day-in and day-out its the same chores and tasks, challenges and discouragements, anxieties and responsibilities. Dust bunnies show up on the stairwell, social commitments clutter the calendar, and our families demand daily attention and care. At times, just catching our breath seems like an impossible feat.

So where is God in all of this? Does he care about the way we unload the dishwasher or balance the budget? Do the little things like changing diapers or cooking meals make a difference? And how can we use our spheres of influence for God’s glory and our joy?

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working woman splitting time between the office and home, Gloria Furman—writer, pastor’s wife, cross-cultural worker, and mom—encourages us to see the reality of God’s grace in all of life, especially those areas that often appear to be boring and unimportant. Using personal examples and insightful stories, her richly theological reflections help us experience the gospel’s extraordinary power to transform our ordinary lives."

This book was given to me last year and it's on my top 10 list now! Gloria writes from experience and with a true grasp on the Gospel. I loved her transparency and the ideas she gave on really making the Gospel a priority in her day. 

And, just for fun - because I think we need that - especially as we raise chidren, live hard lives, and just face this broken world. :) 

"Princess Petunia's Sweet Apple Pie" by Big Idea and Karen Poth

I have TWO big "girl" Veggie tale fans in our home! They especially love Petunia - and I was glad to find these early reader type books. This cute book is about being helpful, something our children can benefit from for sure! 

Use this to spend some quality time with your kiddos - or gift to the Veggie lover in your life. 

So there you have it! I'm excited to hear your thoughts and pick the winner this weekend! (Drawing will be done with Random.com) Don't forget to leave your comment! 

5th Birthday!

Well it happened. Once upon a time a Momma had a baby girl and named her Ava Edyn. And all of the sudden after what seems just like a day or two, she turned 5.

The night before her birthday I sat on the edge of her bed, kissed her goodnight, closed the door, and cried like a baby. My poor husband... I am so thankful he understands my emotions about watching my children grow up. It is so hard on me. 

But the big day came and we enjoyed every minute of celebrating her 5 years! She opened gifts from us as soon as she woke up. A much awaited Our Generation doll named Sadie was at the top of her list and we LOVED her reaction to opening it! Doesn't every parent hope their kids are this excited?! 

After gifts we loaded up the van and headed out for birthday breakfast at Cracker Barrel - thanks to Poppa and Grammy who were in visiting. (This preggo mom enjoyed it waaaay more then the birthday girl) :) 

Then it was on to her birthday suprise - BUILD A BEAR! All the pictures of that event are on my hubby's phone, but trust me, it was exciting. 

5 years. {Sigh} We are so blessed and thankful for our beautiful girl. 

And we loved a special visit from Poppa and Grammy all the way from Ohio. It really made her birthday so special. :) 

And little sister was pretty excited to love on her big sis, too. What a couple of gifts these two are!