Gospel Homemaking

A Heart for the Gospel…A Love for the Home

On My Table August 31, 2010

Filed under: Spiritual Growth — gospelhomemaking @ 12:30 pm

As we start our homeschool year today, I have the following verses written on an index card and setting on my table:

 

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 72:23-26)

 

I read this passage this morning, wrote it on a bright orange card, put it on the table right in front of me. Now, if only (by God’s grace) I can remember to read it and apply it to my heart!

 

Photo credit: tribalslamdance

 

Menu Plan Monday: School Days August 30, 2010

Filed under: Menu Planning — gospelhomemaking @ 7:43 am

 

Tomorrow is THE day. First thing in the morning, school starts at our house. Gulp. I feel horribly unprepared. I guess that’s because I am horribly unprepared. For some reason, life just won’t hold still, whether I’m ready for it or not. So…..I’ll need to have at least a rough plan. And that’s what this menu is. It’s “rough”. We were on vacation staycation last week, and we have some food leftover that we never got around to fixing. It will end up on the table this week. Also, this weekend I made lots of fruit smoothies for the freezer (great for breakfasts or snacks), cooked a huge pot of beans that went into meal-size freezer bags, and figured out how to make my own pancake mix for the pantry.

 

 

Here’s this week’s menu ideas:

 

BREAKFASTS
Cereal
Oatmeal
Eggs
Toast
Yogurt
Homemade pancakes
Fruit smoothies
Fruit

 

MEAL IDEAS
Quick chicken on salad
Beans and rice
Hamburgers
Hot dogs
Tacos
Nachos
Pizza
Waffles
Eggs
Omelets
Grilled cheese
Quesadillas
Chicken and rice soup
Burrito bowls
Pasta with meat sauce
Baked potatoes

 

SIDE DISHES
Smoothies
Fresh fruit
Cooked cabbage
Mashed potatoes
Baked potatoes
Frozen peas
Salad
Veggies and dip

 

LUNCHES
Lunchmeat sandwiches
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Cheese and crackers
Apples and peanut butter
Leftovers
String cheese
Fruit
Veggies and dip

 

Be sure to check out more menu ideas over at Menu Plan Monday.

 

New to GOSPEL HOMEMAKING? Thanks for visiting! I hope you’ll stay and have a look around (you might want to start HERE or HERE). And, you can subscribe to have free updates and To Do reminders sent directly to your email!

 

Freezing Blueberries August 18, 2010

Filed under: Cooking,Frugal Living — gospelhomemaking @ 1:50 pm

 

A couple of days ago, the kids and I went blueberry picking. They’re so easy to pick. They practically jump into the bucket! My family doesn’t love eating fresh blueberries, but we love them in muffins and pancakes. I also like to snack on frozen berries for a sweet treat or toss a few into a bowl of yogurt. So, it’s into the freezer for these babies berries.

 

I’ve been told that you can stick them straight into the freezer without even washing them. I tried that one year, but discovered that when I washed the frozen berries before using them, they tended to stick together in one frozen clump. No fun. Here’s how I do it now:

 

1. First, I fill one side of my kitchen sink with some water (and fruit and veggie wash, if I have it). I carefully take a handful of berries at a time from the bucket, and quickly look for stems or smashed berries as I drop them into the water. It only took me a few minutes to do all four quarts of berries, and it’s worth the time it takes to sort through them (especially if the kiddos helped pick them).

 

2. Next, I spread out some old or dark-colored kitchen towels on the counter. I use my hands to scoop the berries out of the sink and rinse them in a colander.

 

3. Then, I place them in a single layer, as much as possible, on the kitchen towels to dry. Every now and then throughout the day, I’ll move them around a little on the towels so that all sides get dry. It’s important to dry them completely so that they don’t stick together. (Note: You can also spread them out on cookie sheets in the freezer until completely frozen before moving onto the next step. Personally, I find it easier to simply let them set on the counter for the afternoon.)

 

4. Finally, I put the washed and dried berries back into the bucket, pop on the lid, and set them in my freezer. You could also place them in large freezer bags. When I’m ready to use them in a recipe, I simply take my measuring cup and scoop out what I need.

 

Even if you aren’t able to take the family to the blueberry patch, you might find them for a great price at the grocery store this time of year. Investing a few minutes now can save you some money later in the year when you’re craving a stack of blueberry pancakes…..or a mixed berry smoothie…..or some warm muffins fresh from the oven. I’m getting berry hungry now! As a matter of fact, I think some pancakes and muffins just might hit our table before those berries even make it into the freezer. Yum!

 

Find more helpful ideas over on Works for Me Wednesday.

 

New to GOSPEL HOMEMAKING? Thanks for visiting! I hope you’ll stay and have a look around (you might want to start HERE or HERE). And, you can subscribe to have free updates and To Do reminders sent directly to your email!

 

Photo credit: Kaleidoscope08

 

Menu Plan Monday: August 15, 2010

Filed under: Menu Planning — gospelhomemaking @ 4:32 pm

 

I’m still a little out of sorts right now, so I’m going to keep this week’s menu plan pretty simple. With this basic list, I can decide what to have each day based upon what I’m in the mood to fix. Also, I’ll be going to our favorite fruit and vegetable market, so we should have a fridge full of healthy (any yummy!) snacks and side dishes. As a matter of fact, sometimes when the house is full of fresh produce, I’ll just prepare bunches of veggies and a loaf of fresh bread or some rice for dinner. Easy, healthy, and delicious!

 

 

Here’s this week’s menu ideas:

 

BREAKFASTS
Cereal
Oatmeal
Eggs
Toast
Yogurt
Fruit

 

MEAL IDEAS
Quick chicken on salad
Beans and rice
BBQ beef sandwiches with cole slaw
Hot dogs
Rotisserie chicken
Pizza
Waffles
Eggs
Omelets
Grilled cheese
Quesadillas
Nachos
Chicken and rice soup
Burrito bowls
Pasta
Baked potatoes

 

SIDE DISHES
Smoothies
Fresh fruit
Green beans
Cooked cabbage
Mashed potatoes
Baked potatoes
Frozen peas
Salad
Veggies and dip

 

Be sure to check out more menu ideas over at Menu Plan Monday.

 

New to GOSPEL HOMEMAKING? Thanks for visiting! I hope you’ll stay and have a look around (you might want to start HERE or HERE). And, you can subscribe to have free updates and To Do reminders sent directly to your email!

 

Not Quite Normal August 12, 2010

Filed under: Struggles,Suffering — gospelhomemaking @ 5:47 pm
Tags: ,

I don’t know that I ever would have described my life as “normal”. I’m not completely crazy, but I’m sure that many people would call this homemaking-homeschooling-homeloving mom a bit…..unusual. That’s fine with me. Still, I think that most of us have an idea of what “normal life” means for our own unique family. I like normal. Normal is good.

 

Yet, sometimes “normal” just doesn’t exist. Occasionally, we all have “one of those days” when everything falls apart, and you’re left trying to stick the pieces back together with the jelly that someone smeared across the kitchen floor (and probably tracked all over the living room rug). At other times, we have entire seasons when “normal” seems to slip through our fingers. A job loss, an ongoing illness, or a bout of morning sickness can take a “normal life” and shake it up. Or, like what I’m experiencing now, the loss of a loved one can turn life upside down. It’s tempting to crawl into a hole (or at least back into bed) and try to wish both the trouble and the To Do List away. But, since family life never seems to slow down and wait for “normal” to return, we need to learn how to handle these less-than-ideal situations.

 

I wish I could say that I have this all figured out. Boy, do I wish I could say that! Instead, I’ll simply have to share with you some things I’m learning right now about prioritizing and pressing on in spite of the trials that God brings into our lives:

 

 

-Guard your heart. When difficulties pour into our lives, it’s important to resist self-pity. Even though I have times when I cry or feel downright sad, I know that I need to watch out for feeling sorry for myself. Allowing ourselves to rest, grieve, or take some time off can be necessary. But hiding away or dwelling on our problems rarely makes us feel better. Talk to your husband or a friend if this temptation seems too big to resist.

 

-Focus on the necessities. I can’t do everything right now. I don’t want to do everything right now. Some days, I don’t want to do anything! Fixing meals, washing dishes, and doing the laundry are three things that must be done. We all need to eat, and if I neglect the dishes or laundry, they’ll just keep piling up. On the other hand, life will keep moving just fine if I don’t get to the dusting or detail clean the bathrooms. I also try to have the kids help pick up in the living room each evening. This helps make our home feel more peaceful, and that’s something we need right now.

 

-Lighten up. I’m a painfully frugal kind of girl, but I’ve needed to let that go a little during this time. A rotisserie chicken or take-out pizza might not be usual fare around here, but the few extra dollars spent at the grocery store have bought me some sanity. Simple things like cooking easy meals, using paper plates, and shopping without coupons have helped me save my brain for the other tasks I can’t let go.

 

-Accept help. Everyone knows that no one does things quite like mom, but this isn’t the time to remind people of that fact. Be thankful when your husband, your children, or a friend offers to give you a hand. Sure, everything might not be perfect (and it might take you two weeks to find your favorite measuring cup after someone else puts the dishes away!), but you also might learn a valuable lesson in humility.

 

-Do something. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Something is better than nothing. I don’t try to get a long list of things done each day, but I try to at least do something. And I often find that if I get moving on something simple like making the bed or loading the dishwasher, I somehow find the energy to do a couple more tasks, too. At the beginning of each day, I also think of one or two things besides the necessities that I’d like to accomplish. By limiting my To Do List, I don’t get overwhelmed, but I still get a few things done.

 

I can’t say when “normal” will return around here. I’m sure that our old view of “normal” is a thing of the past. But I’m also sure that one day, in God’s good and perfect timing, He will bring the peace that comes with getting back to (our new) “normal”.

 

New to GOSPEL HOMEMAKING? Thanks for visiting! I hope you’ll stay and have a look around (you might want to start HERE or HERE). And, you can subscribe to have free updates and To Do reminders sent directly to your email!

 

Photo credit: escher

 

Joyful Sadness August 3, 2010

Filed under: Suffering — gospelhomemaking @ 7:50 am

This summer hasn’t gone according to plan. There was so much to do, so many places to go, and so much fun to have. But, with Mackenzie being sick much of the time, this summer is quickly turning into “the one that got away”. Then, last week, my summer took another unplanned turn. Actually, my life took an unplanned turn. Last Monday night, as I was going to bed, I got the call that I knew would come one day. I just never expected “one day” to arrive. At least not so soon.

 

Late Monday night, my dad passed away. He joined his Savior and is experiencing the full glory of God. I can’t be sad for him. But I am very sad for me and my family. My dad wasn’t simply my children’s grandpa, he was their friend. And he wasn’t simply my father, he was my daddy. I can’t begin to measure how much he will be missed. Right now, with all of the travel and service planning, it seems a bit unreal, yet I know that the reality will soon set in for us all.

 

But I also know that God is good. Sometimes I struggle to believe it, but I know it. And I’m sure my dad knew it, too. He told me often. Now he understands the fullness of what that means. So, while I am experiencing a joyful sadness, he is experiencing nothing but pure Joy. God is good.

 

Menu Plan Monday: Gluten Free July 25, 2010

Filed under: Menu Planning — gospelhomemaking @ 10:46 pm
Tags:

 

My “menu plans” have seemed more like “menu suggestions” lately. In an effort to try and solve my daughter’s health problems, we have her gluten-free. We haven’t seen any results yet, but we’re still hoping that something (anything) will help. Planning gluten-free meals has been a little more difficult than my usual menu planning. No easy sandwiches, pasta, or pancakes for dinner. Nope. It’s gotta be real food that doesn’t have any wheat or other gluten ingredients. In some ways, this has been much harder than I expected. Gluten is found in so many foods. I have to read every label and research every product before I buy it. But, in other ways, being gluten-free is also a little easier than I thought it would be. If I make meals with lots of fruits, veggies, meat, or eggs then there’s no problem.

 

I go into most days with just a rough idea of what we’ll be eating. If we have lots of leftovers, that’s what I pull out for dinner. If we have some veggies or meat that needs used up, that’s what I throw together for lunch. Or, if Mackenzie doesn’t feel like eating, I’ll make a simple (gluten-filled) meal for the boys. Having some basic meal ideas allows me to be flexible without spiraling out of control. So, while I wouldn’t call this whole gluten-free thing easy, we’re learning to deal with it……one meal at a time.

 

Here’s this week’s menu suggestions:

 

BREAKFASTS
Cereal
Oatmeal
Eggs
Toast
Yogurt
Fruit
(Mackenzie eats yogurt, eggs, and fruit every day.)

 

MEAL IDEAS
Quick chicken (using a homemade marinade)
Beans and rice
Eggs
Omelets
Hamburgers
Tacos
Nachos
Chicken and rice soup
Salad with chicken
Burrito bowls
Baked potatoes

 

SIDE DISHES
Smoothies
Fresh fruit
Green beans
Mashed potatoes
Baked potatoes
Frozen peas
Salad
Veggies and dip

 

Be sure to check out more menu ideas over at Menu Plan Monday.

 

New to GOSPEL HOMEMAKING? Thanks for visiting! I hope you’ll stay and have a look around (you might want to start HERE or HERE). And, you can subscribe to have free updates and To Do reminders sent directly to your email!

 

Back to Blogging July 22, 2010

Filed under: About — gospelhomemaking @ 1:20 pm


I’m back! Well, I never really went anywhere, remember? But my computer sure did. For two weeks! But now it’s back. Actually, our old new computer isn’t back, but we now have a new new computer. Understand? Me either! Oh well, I’ll let the computer geeks and store managers sort it out. All I know is that I’m typing on a real live computer, and I’m using more than just my thumbs! Hey, I love my iPod, but thumb-typing sort of cramps my writing style.

 

So, since I’ve been absent so much lately, I thought I’d give you a quick run-down on what’s going on around here: Vacation is over, Mackenzie is still sick, baseball is finished, football has started, life is crazy, some days I cry too much, other days are great, my house needs dusted, I should begin my Monthly To Do Lists again, I’ve written lots of posts in my head, I hope to write lots of posts in real life, I’ve gotta work on my homeschooling plan, I haven’t made my grocery list for tomorrow, the laundry isn’t started…….and I totally need some CHOCOLATE!

 

I’ll check back with you soon. Very soon!

 

Photo credit: Herberger Site

 

Vacation Daze July 15, 2010

Filed under: Homemaking — gospelhomemaking @ 7:26 pm
Tags:

We are on vacation this week. Sort of. We were all planning on going on a real live out-of-town vacation. Might not sound like a big deal, but we’ve not had a “real” vacation for quite a long time. Years. But, unfortunately, our Mackenzie got sick and our vacation turned into a “staycation”. Actually, Brian and Christopher drove down to Atlanta today to attend a family wedding, so I guess some of us are taking part of that long awaited vacation……but it isn’t quite the same.

 

So, to give myself a little vacation today, I spent the morning playing around on my iPod, drinking tea, and…um…that’s about it. I’ve served leftovers on paper plates, left dirty dishes piled on the counter, and not picked up a single toy or book off the floor. Overall, it’s been a lazy, easy-going kind of day. And now I’m ready to wash the dishes, clean up the house, and sort through the mail before I LOSE MY MIND. Seriously. As much as I’ve enjoyed my little break, I think I’ll also enjoy getting this house back in order.

 

Here I go. I’m ready to get some work done. But maybe I’ll just have another cup of tea first. Or two cups. Three cups? Or, I could wait until tomorrow. Hey, it’s vacation!

 

 

Long Time, No See July 10, 2010

Filed under: Struggles — gospelhomemaking @ 6:02 pm

Sorry for the long silence. About a month ago our computer’s hard drive died. Kicked the bucket. Bit the dust. It was several years old, so my husband was happy to buy a new one. Even though we didn’t enjoy the expense, we really enjoyed playing around with our new toy. Until its hard drive died too. Seriously. Do I live in a force field or something?!? So, our new computer has been “in the shop” all week and might not be back home for a few more days. I’m writing this on my iPod. I sure hope it turns out!

 

We’re on vacation next week, but I hope to write a little whenever I’m able…that is, unless our computer decides to rebel again!