The Family Car

Image Source

What is the value of each individual owning a vehicle? I began to toss this question around more and more this year. When my vehicle is predominantly sitting parked in the parking lot, then its necessity and alternate use for it’s worth comes to be questioned. Yet, I also considered what owning my own car represented- wealth, status, convenience, and even entitlement. We do not live in an area with public transportation or biking paths, and so I wondered if it would even be feasible for us to downsize to sharing only one vehicle.

There was a time in which families did share one vehicle- the family car. All driving members of the family had to make arrangements necessary to accommodate the needs or wants for its use. What allowed one car to be sufficient then but not now? Perhaps it has to do with expectation. As vehicle ownership increased in time so did the expectation for such. The seeming norm now is for each driving member of a family to have his or her own vehicle. In fact, it is not unusual for sixteen or seventeen year olds to be provided a vehicle of his or her own (but not necessarily true ownership). There are certainly many, many other factors at play for the greater possession of vehicles now in comparison to previous times. Expectation is simply one.

          

      After much discussion my husband and I made the decision to sell one of our two cars.  We weighed the pros and cons to making this rather big decision, and the following were the factors that were considered:

Advantages:

• ·         Avoid costly maintenance/repairs.
• ·         Financial stability
• ·         Decreased insurance payments, taxes/registration/tags
• ·         Option to replace two older vehicles for one more reliable one
• ·         Eliminates a "yours" and "mine" mentality within our marriage
• ·         Humility

Disadvantages:

• ·         Inconvenience
• ·         Lack of transportation in the event of an emergency
• ·         Immediacy of purchase if a two-income situation were to be needed
• ·         Judgment for choosing to live differently

     Ultimately, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. We’re still discussing whether we want to trade in the remaining car for a newer vehicle. After finally achieving no car payments and one less debt, I’m reluctant to rush back into another one. Even then, we’ll continue to be a one car family. It takes a little more planning and intentionally if just one of us needs the car. Sharing a car also takes compromise. All of these qualities are good characteristics to develop personally and in a marriage. Sharing a car is simply another means of doing so.

Everyone’s situation and needs for transportation are unique, and I will certainly not assume that what has been appropriate for me and my husband is the same for others. If you are considering downsizing to one car, however, then I hope to encourage you with my experience.

Linked up at: A Mama's Story, Courtship Connection, The Alabaster Jar, Thankful Homemaker, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife, Women Living Well

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Five Question Friday

1. Where do you hide junk when people come over?

Unless our guest will be staying in the second bedroom I have been known to use it as a place to quickly stash stuff. I really hate just tossing stuff in a room and closing the door just to have the place presentable enough for a guest. My goal is always to treat my home as if it always had an open door to anyone to come in at any time. It's a work in progress. haha

2. Do political ads help you decide who you are going to vote for?

    Political ads don't play too much of a role in my voting decision. Since we haven't had television, I miss a lot of the political ads. I find so many political ads to be merely mud-slinging. It's hard to figure out the truth from such tactics. I rely more on other resources in determining my vote. 

3. What's your favorite holiday party to host?

     While my favorite season is fall and holiday is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday party to host would be Christmas. Simple Christmas gatherings with friends and family are so much fun to me and really makes the season meaningful. 

     However, this year it may be Thanksgiving. My in-laws are hoping to be able to make a trip to come visit us around Thanksgiving time. It will be fun to share this holiday with them in our home. 

4. You go to an island with your husband and can only take one personal item. What is it?

     This scenario is a familiar one- it's like our wedding! Me + him + wedding attire. haha. If the scenario were to present itself again, then I don't really know what one item I'd take. Probably my Bible. I love quiet moments in the Word early in the morning. Add crashing ocean waves and I'm set! haha

5. If you found out your spouse was a Dexter style serial killer (only kills people to save others) would you rat?

     Ah, well one thing I do know is that I will not be watching "Dexter" any time soon. I knew the show had something to do with killing, and so prefer not to watch such content. The question is quite complex. It's the basic premise of whether the gain for the greater good justifies the means to achieving it. I remember circling this idea many times in my philosophy class in college (one of the best classes I took). Honestly, it's the topic of papers and would be too limited to dig into it in a quick 5QF question. Plus, I don't care to dwell on the idea of killing. Yes, I live in a bubble. haha

How would you answer this week's Five Question Friday? Leave your responses in the comment section below! Have a good weekend! :)

Linked up at: 

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

The Pizza Hut Girl (Part 4)

    I'm so excited to share with you a guest post by my dear friend, Katie. Katie and I lived down the hall from one another in college, and we continue to keep in touch now years later. Her energy and joyfulness is contagious to all around her. She is not only an incredible singer, but also writer. 
     Her posts on her blog, Poca Luz, and Facebook page are always so wise and encouraging. She has generously written a wonderful post to be shared on Reviving Homemaking. The post will be shared over the course of four installments, so be sure to check back daily to read them all. Trust me, you're in for a treat!

    P.S. Her husband is a part of the awesome music group, The CO. You can find out more on them through their webpage and Facebook fan page.  

Guest post by Katie Ro Brace

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

          We stopped at a Pizza Hut on the way home in a small little town right off the highway.  We were exhausted and hungry and Pizza Hut seemed to be one of the only choices in this neck of the woods.  As we sat down in the squeaky booth seats, a sweet young woman, about my age, greeted us as our waitress.   Fear slowly seeped more into my brain as I chocked down a slice of pepperoni pizza.  "I'm a joke."  I thought to myself.  Our waitress came back by with refills of our drinks.  Her face shined with joy as she served us bubbling fountain sodas in red plastic cups.  I kept thinking about the failure I felt and soon enough we hopped back in the car.  

In the midst of pitty party I felt God nudge my heart.  "Katie, do you remember that girl at the Pizza Hut?"

Struck by the question I really began to listen to what God was trying to tell me.   I remember how pretty she was, not because of her looks specifically, but I remembered her beautiful heart and attitude.  "What makes that beautiful young woman any less than an American Idol superstar Katie?"  My mind came to a crossroads.  All my answers seemed shallow and meaningless.  "I look at the heart, Katie."  It all hit me like a freight train.  I remember crying so hard as we continued back to Nashville in the dark of night.  My family thought I was crying about the audition but I was crying at the lesson God has taught me that day.

It still remains one of the most important lessons I have ever learned.

You, my friend, who are reading this, please hear this if you don't hear anything else from me.

You are worth something.  You may think that what you do isn't enough, but let me tell you, all that doesn't matter.  God looks at our hearts.  If we are singing on a stage, rocking a baby, filing a report, washing the dishes, or serving people at Pizza Hut, we have the opportunity to shine just how Jesus intended us.  It's all about our heart, our attitude and our willingingness to serve a Savior who loves us and to love on a world that is full of hurting people.  Our purpose is right in front of us, right now.  It's not on it's way through some sign, or contest, or a discovering of a talent, or some sudden success, or a promotion or becoming famous.

Where has God placed you?

How can you use what God has uniquely gifted you with, to help and encourage others?

You are more than what you've been told you are to be.  And social position isn't what defines you.

And if you're embarrassed of past failures and mistakes, know that it makes your story that much more beautiful and valuable to others!  It took me three years to get up the guts to share my story.

Don't be afraid.  You are enough.  You have a reason to live.  Let your heart shine for all to see!

Katie Ro Brace

Singer | Songwriter | Musician

W: www.katieromusic.com, www.pocaluzlittlelight.blogspot.com

  

Become a fan of my music

Linked up at: 

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

The Pizza Hut Girl (Part 3)

    I'm so excited to share with you a guest post by my dear friend, Katie. Katie and I lived down the hall from one another in college, and we continue to keep in touch now years later. Her energy and joyfulness is contagious to all around her. She is not only an incredible singer, but also writer. 
     Her posts on her blog, Poca Luz, and Facebook page are always so wise and encouraging. She has generously written a wonderful post to be shared on Reviving Homemaking. The post will be shared over the course of four installments, so be sure to check back daily to read them all. Trust me, you're in for a treat!

    P.S. Her husband is a part of the awesome music group, The CO. You can find out more on them through their webpage and Facebook fan page.  

Guest post by Katie B. 

Read Part 1 & Part 2

     I finally was let go out of the room.  All of us remaining contestants had been told to make sure we went to the final interview room before we left with our families.  In fact the crew made sure someone escorted you so they could get all the "I hate you Simon"'s etc. :)  But the funny thing is no one came to get me.  No one was there to escort me to the interview.  We walked up the stairs and I decided to finish the process even though I didn't have to.  I walked in to two familiar faces of the AI crew and they greeted me with, "Aww Katie, I'm sorry you didn't make it!"  I broke out into tears and replied, "Actually, I'm not upset because I didn't make it, I'm upset because I sat through what felt like an eternity of being made fun of."  I told the crew what was said and even they teared up and one of them said, "Katie, don't listen to them... They are jerks!"  I told them I was ready to interview and I'll never forget the moment of being in that dark room with the spotlight shining on my head and my tears falling to the floor as I looked down at my tired feet.  The two girls from the crew pulled me aside after the interview and said, "There's a bathroom in here that we don't usually let people use, but you can if you want to pull yourself together, because Katie, after you walk out this door, there is going to be a camera in your face following you all the way out of the building."  I told them "thank you" and took a deep breath to brave what was outside those doors.  I kept a smile on my face and promoted my music career in Nashville down 5 flights of escalators with a camera in my face and a lady trying to get me to say something nasty about the judges.  My family had been so awesome and kept quiet the whole time but on the way to the car another camera came up and my husband, having enough if seeing me get beat up said, "Lady, get that camera out of her face right now or I'm going to throw it across that parking lot."  Haha, isn't he's great? :)

    The ride home that night from Louisville, KY back to Nashville was a hard one.  As I looked out at the dark sky I struggled with the peace of accomplishing what I knew was right and the flip side of being humiliated on national television.  I also felt the disappointment of others seeing me as failing.  What if I never got to sing again...  What if no one takes me seriously?  

Check back tomorrow, 10/19/12, for Part 4!

Katie Ro Brace

Singer | Songwriter | Musician

W: www.katieromusic.com, www.pocaluzlittlelight.blogspot.com

  

Become a fan of my music

Linked up at: 

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

The Pizza Hut Girl (Part 2)

    I'm so excited to share with you a guest post by my dear friend, Katie. Katie and I lived down the hall from one another in college, and we continue to keep in touch now years later. Her energy and joyfulness is contagious to all around her. She is not only an incredible singer, but also writer. 
     Her posts on her blog, Poca Luz, and Facebook page are always so wise and encouraging. She has generously written a wonderful post to be shared on Reviving Homemaking. The post will be shared over the course of four installments, so be sure to check back daily to read them all. Trust me, you're in for a treat!

    P.S. Her husband is a part of the awesome music group, The CO. You can find out more on them through their webpage and Facebook fan page.  

Guest post by Katie B. 

Read Part 1

     So there I was, like a helicopter spotlight shining on me in a frozen stance.  Everything at once at lined up for me to go audition and after praying about it I knew in my heart God wanted me to follow His lead on this scary quest.  So I went and long story short I made it through 4 auditions in two separate months, sang 12 songs, and made it through from 12,000 people to 40 at the auditions in Louisville, KY.  I knew God wanted me to be there but I didn't think he'd take me as far as He did.  So the day came when I had to be in front of the "frightening four:" Paula, Simon, Kara, and Randy.  I was in the bathroom beforehand tossing my cookies because of the complete fear I felt.  I was a WRECK.  I wanted to leave but I wanted to follow through on what I knew God wanted me to do.  Don't ever ask me to play truth or dare because I'm an open book and I will follow-through on any dare!  The song I selected spoke the message I wanted to share with the world if I got on air.  It was the words of One Republic's song, "Come Home."  It's about a solider coming home from war.  I wanted to sing it to the millions of viewers watching that a loving God wants us to come home to Him and that He has such compassion and that whoever was listening could know they were not alone.  In my third audition I went in front of the head producers of the show and they recommended I not sing "Come Home."  The next day I had to go in front of "the four" and I was struggling at what to do next.  I knew that my purpose for making it this far was to do what I set out to do.  To sing the truth to a hurting world, but I was scared of being humiliated.  My husband and parents were with me.  That night my husband Collin said to me, "Katie, I've been praying for you and I think God really wants you to sing that song and follow what He asked you to do."  

     So there I was, standing in front of the four with bright lights in my face and a room full of people with headsets and laptops.  After some chatter and random questions from the judges, such as being asked if I was the "greatest singer in the world (oh brother...)," I knew this moment would be a very bumpy part in the roller-coaster ride.  Before I knew it, it was time to sing and I stuck to my guns and I sang the song I knew God wanted me to.  I prayed and sang it with all my heart.  Singing out every lyric like I would at church to a group of hurting people that needed hope.  I was cut off and what happened next came at me like a freight train.  I wish I could put a pretty bow on it, but I feel that if I did I would ruin the value of the story I have to share.  After they stopped me I was then taunted, made fun of and ridiculed.  Similar to a chubby kid in the lunch room getting hamburgers and mean names thrown at them.  I just wanted to leave but I stood there and took it.  There are a lot of details but for times sake I'll tell you some of the names I was called, "A Christmas Caroler," "Doris Day (I'll take that one!)," "Eggnog (I mean, it is very delicious!)," "Minnie Mouse," and that I "could only sing one style."  I didn't really react, I felt as if I was almost in another world.  I remember looking over to this table that was in the audition room that was filled with several people with headsets and laptops staring at my every move.  In the midst of my ridicule a woman at that table caught my eye, she was crying and shaking her head as she looked at me.  I'll never forget that.  I wasn't even realizing how bad it was until that lady's reaction gave me a proper gauge on the situation.  

Check back tomorrow, 10/18/12, for Part 3!

Katie Ro B.

Singer | Songwriter | Musician

W: www.katieromusic.com, www.pocaluzlittlelight.blogspot.com

Become a fan of my music

Linked up at: 

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

The Pizza Hut Girl (Part 1)

    I'm so excited to share with you a guest post by my dear friend, Katie. Katie and I lived down the hall from one another in college, and we continue to keep in touch now years later. Her energy and joyfulness is contagious to all around her. She is not only an incredible singer, but also writer. 
     Her posts on her blog, Poca Luz, and Facebook page are always so wise and encouraging. She has generously written a wonderful post to be shared on Reviving Homemaking. The post will be shared over the course of four installments, so be sure to check back daily to read them all. Trust me, you're in for a treat!

    P.S. Her husband is a part of the awesome music group, The CO. You can find out more on them through their webpage and Facebook fan page.  

Guest post by Katie B. 

Are you enough?  

     Do ever feel like you're just not as talented, or smart, or pretty, or skinny, or funny, or stylish, or popular as the girl standing next to you in the line at Target?

     Many a times I feel as if I'm not enough.  I often find myself envying the pretty women in the magazines and the silver screen, sometimes without even realizing it, and I never seem to measure up.

    All that boils down to an even bigger struggle for me: Does my life really matter?  Am I making an impact?  Is my voice being heard?  Or am I just a waste of space?

    I love to encourage others and I hope this post encourages you by a special story that I'm about to share.

     To start this story I have to tell you that I'm a singer, song-writer and musician.  I've always loved to entertain people and perform and music is a huge part of my heart.  I've been on the roller-coaster ride of the music industry since I was 16 and I have to tell you, if you doubt your self-worth at all, it's the worst industry to put yourself in.  Jumping off the roller-coaster may eventually sound much more appealing than hanging on for dear life with a nauseous tummy sickened with fear and failures.

     A few years ago after I had several disappointments in my music career and was sitting in a cubicle to pay the bills, an opportunity hit me like a punch to the gut.  I had been told to try out for American Idol for years by friends, family and fans of my music.  I declined, knowing there was more unpleasant things I would much rather do, ANY DAY, than go to try out for that show.  Then about 3 years ago I felt as if God tapped me on the shoulder and said, "It's time to conquer those fears Katie!"  Gulp.  I'm not kidding, I used to have nightmares of trying out for that show.  Think about this with me...  If you are someone who has invested a good number of years in perfecting your art in writing music and gaining experience in various areas of your craft, wouldn't you be terrified that it could all be shattered after singing accapella a cover of some pop song in front of a table of larger than life tv personalities?... Oh and did I forget, MILLIONS OF VIEWERS?!  Yeah...

Check back tomorrow, 10/17/12, for Part 2!

Katie Ro B.

Singer | Songwriter | Musician

W: www.katieromusic.com, www.pocaluzlittlelight.blogspot.com

Become a fan of my music

Linked up at: Thankful Homemaker, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

We're Moving!

   
      We're moving! Well, Reviving Homemaking isn't necessarily moving, but my husband and I are! He was offered a new job position last Thursday, and by the next day we began making preparations to move for the job. Oh, and it's about a twelve hour move and we have about two weeks to do so! I'm grateful that my position of being at home is allowing us to get boxes packed, services cancelled and established, and all those address changes made smoothly. There will still be a few unknowns even as we make our way to our new state (like where to live), and that can be a bit nerve wracking if I dwell on those details. Instead, I'm choosing to believe that God is the one directing us and regardless of how we perceive the outcome, we're going to trust in Him. My favorite verse is Romans 8:28 which says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

     So, if posts seem to be rather sparse it's because I'm packing boxes or doing something else pertaining to getting us ready for the trip. I feel rather guilty not working on the various aspects of Reviving Homemaking that I normally do, but I also feel rather overwhelmed keeping up with that and the move. I've decided to just post as I can and ask for your patience and grace. Also, aspects such as the Etsy shop, Amazon estore, all other affiliates, and advertising will be temporarily down beginning Tuesday, Oct. 9th while I get things established in our new state. I hope to have those aspects back up as soon as possible. Until then, if there was anything you are interested in from the Etsy shop I will be accepting orders until the 9th. 

  I have a stack of blog post/project page planners filled in with ideas that are currently just sitting and waiting for when I have greater availability. I can't wait to get working on those! Exciting stuff coming up (including a giveaway)!  

   Since we are in rapid moving mode, here is the question of the day-
What advice or recommendations do you have based on your own experiences in moving? Share in the comment section below! 

Linked up at: 

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Menu Plan: Fall (Sept. 30-Oct.6)

     The next two weeks in menu planning will be a little different. My husband and I are preparing for a big move in only two weeks! Therefore, we started this week's menu by first pulling everything out of the freezer. We then tried to come up with as many meals using that source as we could. We certainly want to try to minimize how many frozen foods we're having to haul 14 hours away with us. (Btw, if anyone has done this, I'd love to know how in the world you kept your frozen foods frozen during a long move. Picking up replacement ice every few hours while in a big moving truck sounds like the drive will be much longer than just 14 hours. Suggestions? Thanks!)

     Even if we weren't moving, utilizing what's stored in the freezer is a great way to maintain the food budget and have homemade without making everything from scratch every time it's needed. I typically don't cook or put up a meal with the sole purpose of keeping it in the freezer. Instead, I will take whatever ingredients we have leftover at the end of the week and put that in the freezer. For instance, the frozen meal components we'll be using this week include: taco filling, enchilada sauce, pizza sauce, cheese, ham and spinach calzone filling, chicken "just add noodles" soup, pesto and more. All of these are foods that I made homemade but in too large of portions to eat at one time. Utilizing the freezer stock was the predominant strategy we used this week in approaching menu planning. 

    Just to recap last week's menu, there were many recipes that are now on our "keeper" list. These include: chicken noodle soup, avocado egg salad sandwiches, jambalaya (definitely use sausage and not bacon), eggplant pomodoro, meatloaf, shephards pie, Greek diner salad (we just served over salad greens)

This Week's Menu:

Breakfasts 
-oatmeal, muffins, eggs, cereal  etc. 

     The normal breakfasts are made and a portion frozen, and again, we're trying to limit to that sort of thing right now. So, we're doing quick and simple breakfasts. We also purchased a box of cereal. To have made granola, I would've needed to restock several of my seeds and nuts, and I didn't want to have to purchase and pack more foods. haha. 

Lunch

- Pesto chicken, zipper cream peas, orzo

- Louisana fish with okra & corn (I'm using tilapia and adding tomato to the okra and corn side)

- Veggie Stew

- Spaghetti, brussels sprouts

Dinner

-{breakfast for dinner} cheddar cauliflower quiche (We didn't get to this one last week)

- Chicken enchiladas, green salad

- Ham and Spinach Calzones

-Tacos with guacamole

Snacks
-fruit (bananas, apples)
-olives, cheese slices
-yogurt
-veggies (carrots, celery)
-Snacks for upcoming trips visiting friends and family (homemade fruit and oat bars, homemade chocolate mint cookies (like Thin Mints..I hope! haha), fruit, chips/crackers etc. 


Linked up at: 

        -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!