A New Season of Life and Homemaking!

     I'm delighted to share with you mine and my husband's joy of the news that we are expecting our first child!

     I'm currently 8 weeks along in the pregnancy, and feeling pretty good. We have certainly begun to make some adjustments, most notably in regard to foods. (If you noticed the weekly menu plans no longer being posted, then now you know why. We've done less weekly planning in favor of making the most of whatever food works with my belly at the moment. Trial and error!). I've also been very grateful to combat fatigue with an afternoon nap on occasion. I remind myself that carrying this little one is a worthy reason for enduring the difficulties! 

     I've thought considerably about preparing my heart for this child. I believe the greatest provision I can offer this child is myself and a strong home and family for him/her. Many mornings have been spent in God's Word. One morning I read of Solomon asking God for an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:7-9). He was faced with a grand role of leading Israel, a nation built by patriarchs like his father David. Solomon conveys a feeling of being overwhelmed and incapable of the role in his likening of himself to that of a child. I could relate to those feelings as I approach the role of Mama. How do I possibly model for and guide this child in life when I still feel I have so much to achieve to reach that potential? Like a child is utterly dependent on his/her father or mother, Solomon demonstrated a dependence on his Heavenly Father. He can't perform the job without God, and neither can I. Moreover, Solomon asked for wisdom to get through the task, not for the task to be completed for him by God. On a particular day that my heart was fretful of the role ahead of me, God spoke these words of reassurance. He has chosen David and I to care for this little one, and God will guide us through! Ultimately, parenting isn't about David, myself, or our family, it's about glorifying God!

     We praise God for the blessing of this little one, and pray for safety for the remainder of the pregnancy. The expectation of a child does issue a new season for ourselves and the homemaking journey. I've been incredibly blessed to have written for so long on Reviving Homemaking from the homemaker without children perspective, and subsequently connected with so many ladies. I hope to continue supporting this avenue of homemaking, while also demonstrating the journey of this new path. Thank you to all of you who have followed and supported Reviving Homemaking! 

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Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

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What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Etsy Shop Reopening

     After many, many months of the Etsy shop being temporarily closed I'm thrill to announce that it is finally back OPEN! The current listings consist of printable planner pages available for instant download. If you're needing some organization in life, then these planner pages are sure to help you get focused. If you're a blogger you'll be interested to see a few sets geared specifically for your work, AND at the bottom of this post is a form to request a FREE set for your review on your blog! 

View full listing in Etsy Shop

     Whether you are creating a single post or a series of posts, the Blog Series Planner printables will keep your ideas organized so that your plans will be successful!

LISTING INCLUDES: (1) month view planner page, (1) Post planner page, (1) Project planner page, (1) Guest/contributor planner page and (1) Giveaway planner page. All are in PDF format and intended to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper.

View full listing in Etsy Shop

          Whether you're a new blogger or have been blogging for a while, the Blog Planner is sure to keep you organized! Plan to make your blog a success with the use of these helpful printable pages. 

LISTING INCLUDES: (11) printables (13 sheets total) in PDF format intended to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper.
(1) Month view planner page
(1) Two week planner page
(1) Post ideas page
(1) Weekly statistics page (one page contains weekly stats for one month)
(1) Contributor post planner page
(1) Post planner page
(1) Project planner page
(1) Guest/ contributor post page
(1) Giveaway page
(1) Affiliates & sponsors page
(1) Link-up directory (Each page features two days. Total of three pages)

View full listing in Etsy Shop

Ever have so many projects in mind that you can't seem to focus what to work on and when to do it? The Project Planner pages help you divide up your project ideas across a month, and then allow you to focus on them in detail one at a time.

LISTING INCLUDES: (1) monthly view project planner page and (1) detail view project planner page in PDF format to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper.

View full listing in Etsy ShopSometimes we may need to seek additional financial resources, but other times we may just need to learn how to better utilize what we already have. Many aspects of money management are incorporated in these printables including keeping track of where your money is being spent, how much you typically spend in certain categories, setting goals, paying bills in a simplistic manner, establishing a budget and many others. Proper financial management contributes significantly to the well being of your family both monetarily and emotionally. Get a grip on money so that it doesn’t keep a grip on you! You don’t have to be overly controlling, but it is wise to gain greater knowledge and skills for handling money. Even if you don't use this system forever, it is a great starting place for getting your finances under control. No more coming up short before the next paycheck arrives!

LISTING INCLUDES: (8) printables in PDF format inteded to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper. Suggested instructions for use are included with each sheet. They are unalterable once sent, but can be customized by request before or at the time of order. 
-(1) Categorical Spending Record
-(1) Spending Record
-(1) Category Averages
-(1) Income Allocation
-(1) Current Goal
-(1) Financial Goals
-(1) Payments Schedule
-(1) Price Tracker

View full listing in Etsy Shop

It's 5pm and you're just now considering dinner. Unfortunately, the meat is frozen, you're out of stock on other ingredients you need, and everyone in your family is getting hungry. Sound familiar? You need a plan!

Menu planning allows you to prepare for meals in advance so that you have all the ingredients you need when you need them. It also allows you to save money by limiting trips to the grocery store or restaurants! 

LISTING INCLUDES: (2) printables in PDF format intended to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper. They are unalterable once sent, but can be customized by request before or at the time of order. 
-(1) Weekly Menu Plan Sheet
-(1) Shopping List Sheet


Update: The Blog Planner is no longer available for review. However, copies of the Blog Series Planner, Project Planner, Money Management and Weekly Menu Planner are still available! :)

*Linked Up at: A Mama's Story, The Alabaster Jar, The Modest Mom Blog, The Better Mom, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife, Reviving Homemaking

Third Anniversary Reflection & Video

     Marriage is challenging because it requires us to stretch to new limits of patience, selflessness, forgiveness, mindfulness or intention, love, and understanding among many other qualities. Each year presents new conditions within which a marriage is worked. A choice must then be made to allow ourselves and our marriage to be strengthened or broken by those elements. Interestingly, there are times in which seeming brokenness reveals itself to be strength. Our third year of marriage has been much smoother than our previous two. While that likely has something to do with an ease in circumstances, I'd like to believe it has more do with the fact that we can understand the full sweetness of the present day only because we've tasted the bitter of former days. Though our approaches are often different, we share a common vision to be one solid unit in marriage.  It's a process and a work that produces a beautifully deep kind of love and marriage. Praise the Lord for lessons that shape us more and more to be the kind of people he created us and our marriage to be- even if the means of teaching is trying. 

Pick and choose your battles wisely. 
    Rarely is there a difference in perspective or preference that is worth damaging or breaking a relationship. I believe that God uses marriage as a tool to sharpen and grow us as individuals. If I stood firm in a “my way, or no way” attitude, then I’m not allowing marriage to do the work that God intended. There are occasions in which a compromise is the best solution, while other matters are best just being dropped. A resolution will not be reached by pressing an issue to the point at which tension develops. Ultimately, the quality of our home and family hold greater value than any subject of disagreement. 

A strong marriage is built through conscious effort

      Relationships require constant effortful investment! The greatest demand of a relationship is that of ourselves. Meanwhile, the greatest giving I can offer is that of my time and attention. . Nothing else will suffice. I've seen more this year how often my attention is focused on myself. I had never realized how selfish I could be until I married. I'm consumed with my wants, my concerns, my emotions etc. True selflessness in marriage is to put aside what I want or even feel at that moment in preference for what is needed by my husband or our relationship. I notice how David does this so well, and I'm grateful that he is so steady for me and us. He demonstrates such strong character qualities of which I can admire and learn. He gives of himself- his time and attention, and that is a beautiful building block in marriage. 

      I feel that attentiveness to all moments of life and marriage is one quality that makes our marriage/family and home so special. When we married, I didn't care a bit about the wedding or anything else. I simply wanted life together. I love all the little moments of sharing life together from making snow ice cream to planting flowers to picking and preserving strawberries. Building a strong marriage/family and home is about intentionality of investment. One component of that is the resolve to be be purposeful in sharing even the smallest moments of life together. 

     

Expectations must be expressed and agreed upon, realistic, and within the context of who your spouse is

Marriage may not be entirely for our happiness, but instead for our holiness

Always, always remember that if we have family, then we have everything

Finally, the following verses remain close to my heart especially in regard to marriage: 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil butrejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (emphasis mine)

Additional Resources:

Our Second Anniversary Reflection & Video

Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Emmerson Eggerichs* 

201 Great Questions for Married Couples by Jerry Jones* {A few of the questions in the video came from this book}

*Note: Some of the products listed above contain affiliate links to Amazon.com. Reviving Homemaking is an affiliate of Amazon.com, and as such receives compensation for each purchase made through the links.  

Linked up at: Christian Mommy Blogger, A Mama's Story, The Alabaster Jar, The Modest Mom Blog, The Better Mom, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife

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Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Menu Plan: Summer (July 7-13)

**There is now a photo album on the RH Facebook page just for food photos. If you like to see a photo of a dish to judge whether you want to try it or not, then follow the link to view the album. (I tend to like recipes & cookbooks that include lots of photos). Let's be honest, some dishes are just too pretty to not take a picture! ;) **

Strategies

• Tip: write your grocery list and the date in a little notebook each week/month. This way you can easily see how much and how frequently you purchase items. You can then use that information to determine the value of purchasing in bulk for your family's needs. If you don't use the entirety of a bulk purchase before it goes bad, then it would have been wiser to buy the smaller quantity even though it would have been at a higher unit price. Below is a copy of our list for this week:

Click image to view larger

OUR MENU PLAN FOR THIS WEEK

*Note: I include links to the recipes if they are available online. Some recipes are from cookbooks we have at home, and while I can't share the recipe I can direct you to the source. Other dishes or meals are created by myself or my husband, and we can do our best to explain how to recreate it. If you'd like additional information on any of the meals or our menu planning, then please feel free to contact me. :) 

Breakfasts

- strawberry & kiwi smoothie 

- granola cereal, banana

- whole wheat pancakes with a fresh blueberry syrup

(repeat all to keep it simple!)

Lunches

- Spanakopita (leftover from last week)

- repeat bbq meal

- Radicchio & blue cheese salad

- Pot roast, potatoes & carrots

- Black bean & rice wraps (using homemade tortillas)

Dinners

- Pulled pork bbq, baked beans, cole slaw

- Portobello mushrooms stuffed with mustard greens, bulgar, and dates

- Shrimp kabobs, polenta

- Veggie calzones (same as veggie pizza)

- Pot roast turnovers

Snacks

- multi-grain crackers with cheddar cheese slices 

- apples

- grapes

- yogurt with peaches & toasted walnuts

- almonds

- hard-boiled egg

Weekly Menu Planning Sheet

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not affiliated with any of the sites or companies included in the links, and was not asked to include or recommend them or their recipes in this post. (I simply like what they have to offer!)

What's on your family's menu plan this week?

Linked up at: 

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Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

How To Prepare a Starfruit

    Through the practice of shipping produce around the world for grocery store sale, a large variety of fruits and vegetables are available at nearly any time of the year. I'm always intrigued by the unusual pieces of fruits and vegetables. On occasion, it's fun to pick up a new item and learn how to use it. My most recent discovery has been the starfruit. 

     The starfruit is grown in tropical regions of the world. It's an oblong and waxy fruit that when cut resembles a star, thus the name. You want to select one that is predominately yellow with perhaps a small amount of green lingering. The rims will also begin to brown a bit. An overripe starfruit will begin to have brown spots and feel less firm. The best comparison for selecting a starfruit is to reference a banana. A banana is initially firm and green, then softens and turns yellow. Finally, it becomes very soft and brown. A starfruit is similar. Unlike a banana, however, the starfruit will not get sweeter as it ripens. It will, in fact, become rather bland and so it's best to find or use one at the peak of ripeness. 

To Prepare a Starfruit:

Wash the fruit. Then, cut the top and bottom off (you can eat these bits). 

If you'd like you can trim the rims of the starfruit. A knife is sufficient, but a vegetable peeler also works well. 

Finally, slice starfruit into 1/2'' pieces or whatever size desired. Remove the seeds. The star shape is pretty neat, eh?

          I used the starfruit to make a garnish for a fish meal. A secondary use would be in smoothies. 

Have you tried any new fruits or vegetables lately?

Source for information on the starfruit 

Linked up at: Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife, Christian Mommy Blogger, A Mama's Story, The Alabaster Jar, The Modest Mom Blog, The Better Mom, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife

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Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

To Bless a Homemaker Giveaway

     Homemaking, a most precious and praiseworthy calling! Ladies, we want to encourage you and remind you that diligently serving your family and caring for your home each day is of immeasurable, eternal value! Thirty bloggers have joyously come together to bless one winner with a brand new, installed dishwasher!  And are we excited!

Not only will one woman win a new dishwasher, but each of you will find new, encouraging blogs to read and glean from. The winner can also opt to gift her gift to a friend or relative.

NOTE: For the rafflecopter entry, you can earn most entries by “liking” a facebook page. If it’s a page you’re already a fan of, just click “I’m a fan!” If you’re not, a fan already, do make sure to click “like” before you hit “I’m a fan!” God’s blessings!

Eligibility rules: The dishwasher will be chosen by To Bless A Homemaker Giveaways and may not be the exact model pictured above. Winner can choose between black or white in color. Void where prohibited by law. In no way is this giveaway sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, To Bless a Homemaker Giveaways Ministry, and all participating blogs of all liability. Organized by: The Focused Homemaker in conjunction with To Bless A Homemaker Giveaways. Contest ends at 12:00 am Central Time on Sunday, July 7, 2013. Winner randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and notified by email on July 8, 2013. Open to US residents, ages 18+. 

To enter please visit The Focused Homemaker.

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Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Menu Plan: Summer (June 30-July 6)

**There is now a photo album on the RH Facebook page just for food photos. If you like to see a photo of a dish to judge whether you want to try it or not, then follow the link to view the album. (I tend to like recipes & cookbooks that include lots of photos). Let's be honest, some dishes are just too pretty to not take a picture! ;) **

Strategies

• Tip: write your grocery list and the date in a little notebook each week/month. This way you can easily see how much and how frequently you purchase items. You can then use that information to determine the value of purchasing in bulk for your family's needs. If you don't use the entirety of a bulk purchase before it goes bad, then it would have been wiser to buy the smaller quantity even though it would have been at a higher unit price. Below is a copy of our list for this week:

OUR MENU PLAN FOR THIS WEEK

Click image to view larger

*Note: I include links to the recipes if they are available online. Some recipes are from cookbooks we have at home, and while I can't share the recipe I can direct you to the source. Other dishes or meals are created by myself or my husband, and we can do our best to explain how to recreate it. If you'd like additional information on any of the meals or our menu planning, then please feel free to contact me. :) 

Breakfasts

- oatmeal with diced apple, walnuts, and flaxseed meal

- granola cereal, banana

- oatmeal with dried cherries, almonds, and flaxseed meal

- whole wheat toast with peanut butter and drizzle of honey 

- favorite green smoothie

(repeat all to keep it simple!)

Lunches

- Salad (greens, candied walnuts, tomato, sesame seeds, avocado, mandarin oranges, nuts with dijon vinaigrette dressing) 

- Grilled cornish hens, zipper cream peas, mashed potatoes with cauliflower & parsnip

- Italian lentil salad (I'm using just one kind of grape & substituting walnuts for hazelnuts)

- Apricot pork chops, corn, green beans

- Spanakopita

Dinners

- Spaghetti & meatballs, brussels sprouts

- Summer vegetable crepes (I'm doubling the zucchini instead of using zucchini and yellow squash)

- Fish with potato fries (fish and chips style), broccoli

- Quinoa veggie burgers with homemade buns, sweet potatoes fries

- Hot dogs with homemade buns, kale chips 

Snacks

- multi-grain crackers with peanut butter 

- homemade yogurt with strawberries

- apple and cheese slices

- almonds

Weekly Menu Planning Sheet

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not affiliated with any of the sites or companies included in the links, and was not asked to include or recommend them or their recipes in this post. (I simply like what they have to offer!)

What's on your family's menu plan this week?

Linked up at: 

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

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)