I'm thankful that I was able to sit in Bible study last night. Between five weeks of working in the 1yo class and one week home with sick Ws, I hadn't sat in a Wednesday night service since 8/22. U-streaming live and listening online later in the week are nice options, but it was great to actually be in the service.
What is something that you're thankful for?
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
FOOD & FINANCES
I just wanted to give a little update on how things are going at our place.
Let's talk about food first. October is our last month of a regular income and we have no idea how things are going to work out next month, so we've been trying to stretch our money as far as we can.
One friend sent me a note about a month ago and said she would be giving us two dozen eggs a week. Another friend had to change the way she eats and gave us a bunch of food from her pantry and freezer that she no longer eats. Another friend gave us lots of formula samples her baby didn't need and items from her freezer. One lady, just an acquaintance who doesn't know about Tim's job situation, gave us several formula samples from her place of employment. Two different friends have given us produce from their gardens and fruit trees. Another friend offered to let us raid their pantry for dried goods. Someone, knowing I'm hanging out with friends later this month and that the visit always includes a meal at Red Robin, gave me a Red Robin gift card, which means my plan to pack a lunch is no longer necessary. I'm so grateful for everyone's generosity!
Tim had an appointment at DHS yesterday and came home with food stamps. It's a bittersweet thing to have that card. It's a bummer to be in a place where you can't afford to feed your family, but it's a blessing to have access to the system you've paid into and to know how all of your food needs will be taken care of.
As a sidenote, I've been meaning to do a post about grocery shopping, budgeting, and what I've learned since we made some shopping changes in the spring. The fact that our grocery budget just doubled may be the kick in the pants I needed to get that post up. I'll try and do it before the week is over.
Now about finances. As I already mentioned, this is our last month of a regular income and we're not sure how everything is going to play out as November rolls around. Some moments I'm angry and stressed. Other moments I think about the following passage and am simply thankful that we have what we need in that particular moment.
Proverbs 30:7-8 Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
We all appreciate the security of a steady paycheck, but I need to choose to be thankful for the fact we have enough food for the week on Sunday morning or enough food for breakfast when it's breakfast time and not dwell on what we're eating next month or for the next meal. I need to be thankful for my daily bread. Daily.
Tim has subbed three days since the school year started, did a few days of work for a friend, and has one TSFL client. While I'm very thankful for that bit of work, it's clearly not enough.
He has applied for a school job that closed yesterday. The pros? It's full-time, steady work. The cons? It pays about half of what he normally makes. Honestly, I'd rather have a low-paying steady job than a higher paying work that comes in sporadically. Steady numbers are easier to work with and we could figure out what to cut from our budget and/or how much extra work to pick up somewhere else.
He's also applied for another school job, a month-long PE sub job, that closes at the end of next week. The pros? He'd make his normal salary for that month and would have short-term steady work. The cons? We'd be right back in unemployment once Christmas break rolled around.
He's also talking to someone about a non-school job and we'll see how that works out.
So, that's where things are at. I'll be sure to keep you posted on the job situation if and when anything changes!
Let's talk about food first. October is our last month of a regular income and we have no idea how things are going to work out next month, so we've been trying to stretch our money as far as we can.
One friend sent me a note about a month ago and said she would be giving us two dozen eggs a week. Another friend had to change the way she eats and gave us a bunch of food from her pantry and freezer that she no longer eats. Another friend gave us lots of formula samples her baby didn't need and items from her freezer. One lady, just an acquaintance who doesn't know about Tim's job situation, gave us several formula samples from her place of employment. Two different friends have given us produce from their gardens and fruit trees. Another friend offered to let us raid their pantry for dried goods. Someone, knowing I'm hanging out with friends later this month and that the visit always includes a meal at Red Robin, gave me a Red Robin gift card, which means my plan to pack a lunch is no longer necessary. I'm so grateful for everyone's generosity!
Tim had an appointment at DHS yesterday and came home with food stamps. It's a bittersweet thing to have that card. It's a bummer to be in a place where you can't afford to feed your family, but it's a blessing to have access to the system you've paid into and to know how all of your food needs will be taken care of.
As a sidenote, I've been meaning to do a post about grocery shopping, budgeting, and what I've learned since we made some shopping changes in the spring. The fact that our grocery budget just doubled may be the kick in the pants I needed to get that post up. I'll try and do it before the week is over.
Now about finances. As I already mentioned, this is our last month of a regular income and we're not sure how everything is going to play out as November rolls around. Some moments I'm angry and stressed. Other moments I think about the following passage and am simply thankful that we have what we need in that particular moment.
Proverbs 30:7-8 Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
We all appreciate the security of a steady paycheck, but I need to choose to be thankful for the fact we have enough food for the week on Sunday morning or enough food for breakfast when it's breakfast time and not dwell on what we're eating next month or for the next meal. I need to be thankful for my daily bread. Daily.
Tim has subbed three days since the school year started, did a few days of work for a friend, and has one TSFL client. While I'm very thankful for that bit of work, it's clearly not enough.
He has applied for a school job that closed yesterday. The pros? It's full-time, steady work. The cons? It pays about half of what he normally makes. Honestly, I'd rather have a low-paying steady job than a higher paying work that comes in sporadically. Steady numbers are easier to work with and we could figure out what to cut from our budget and/or how much extra work to pick up somewhere else.
He's also applied for another school job, a month-long PE sub job, that closes at the end of next week. The pros? He'd make his normal salary for that month and would have short-term steady work. The cons? We'd be right back in unemployment once Christmas break rolled around.
He's also talking to someone about a non-school job and we'll see how that works out.
So, that's where things are at. I'll be sure to keep you posted on the job situation if and when anything changes!
Friday, October 5, 2012
10/5/12 - WORTH REPEATING
*****
When I was 16, I got a purity ring.
And when I was 25, I took it off.
I didn’t tell anyone I was doing it — it wasn’t a statement or an emotional thing. I just slipped it off my finger that day and, before tucking it away in a box, ran my finger around the words on the familiar gold band.
“True Love Waits.” Waits.
What’s it “waiting” for, anyway?
:snip ... but the entire post, linked below, is worth reading:
I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here.
I already have Him … and He is everything.
~ Grace for the road
*****
Marriage isn't 50/50. It's 40/60 yesterday and maybe 99/1 today... and then tomorrow it might be 20/80.
~ Jyn Meyer
********
It helps me so much if I’m having a rough day (or even when I just want to be extra intentional) to not view it as a long marathon of being awesome. I simply view it as a series of short sprints.
~ Kat at Family Your Way
********
Her life has been such an example of grace – making good choices without allowing them to get in the way of relationships or become rigid rules that take the joy out of food and eating – that I've learned that I can approach this journey in my own time and my own way without trying to live up to someone else's standards or avoid their critical eye. And rather than leading to a standstill, that's motivated me to move forward even more quickly.
:snip ... but it's a good post for anyone who puts thought into what they eat:
Most importantly, consider relationships with people more important than their food choices!
~ Mandi at Keeper of the Home
********
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
~ "Count Your Blessings" in White Christmas
********
This fact is powerful when you catch yourself comparing your methods and outcomes with other mamas (it's a wash--don't do it). When you see the seems-like-she-does-everything pizzaz of another mom, know that she's enjoying a shining moment among many other kinds of moments, and be happy for her. And when you see a mom who might be losing her cool or maybe arranging her priorities differently than you would, assume that there are other days when things shift and she too enjoys that shining moment of everything-feels-just-right. Amen? Amen. Isn't it nice when we don't have the pressure of figuring out everyone else's life for them?
~ Kelle Hampton at Enjoying the Small Things
*****
When I was 16, I got a purity ring.
And when I was 25, I took it off.
I didn’t tell anyone I was doing it — it wasn’t a statement or an emotional thing. I just slipped it off my finger that day and, before tucking it away in a box, ran my finger around the words on the familiar gold band.
“True Love Waits.” Waits.
What’s it “waiting” for, anyway?
:snip ... but the entire post, linked below, is worth reading:
I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here.
I already have Him … and He is everything.
~ Grace for the road
*****
Marriage isn't 50/50. It's 40/60 yesterday and maybe 99/1 today... and then tomorrow it might be 20/80.
~ Jyn Meyer
********
It helps me so much if I’m having a rough day (or even when I just want to be extra intentional) to not view it as a long marathon of being awesome. I simply view it as a series of short sprints.
~ Kat at Family Your Way
********
Her life has been such an example of grace – making good choices without allowing them to get in the way of relationships or become rigid rules that take the joy out of food and eating – that I've learned that I can approach this journey in my own time and my own way without trying to live up to someone else's standards or avoid their critical eye. And rather than leading to a standstill, that's motivated me to move forward even more quickly.
:snip ... but it's a good post for anyone who puts thought into what they eat:
Most importantly, consider relationships with people more important than their food choices!
~ Mandi at Keeper of the Home
********
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
~ "Count Your Blessings" in White Christmas
********
This fact is powerful when you catch yourself comparing your methods and outcomes with other mamas (it's a wash--don't do it). When you see the seems-like-she-does-everything pizzaz of another mom, know that she's enjoying a shining moment among many other kinds of moments, and be happy for her. And when you see a mom who might be losing her cool or maybe arranging her priorities differently than you would, assume that there are other days when things shift and she too enjoys that shining moment of everything-feels-just-right. Amen? Amen. Isn't it nice when we don't have the pressure of figuring out everyone else's life for them?
~ Kelle Hampton at Enjoying the Small Things
*****
** This post contains affiliate links and I'm grateful when people use them. **
Thursday, October 4, 2012
10/4/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for Faith. She's willing to say life's hard when it is, but is just as likely to share the good things that are happening. Life has thrown a variety of curveballs her way over the last few years, and while she's experienced perfectly normal thoughts and emotions in those circumstances, she hasn't allowed them to make her bitter. She's acquired some handy new skills and is working on a very cute kitchen remodel. She always strives to do what's best for her family, even when it's physically or emotionally draining. She'll admit her flaws and ask for encouragement to improve in those areas. She's an encouragement to those who are struggling with their own weaknesses. She has a great sense of humor and is very hospitable. She loves the Lord, her husband, and her kids.
Who is someone that you're thankful for?
Who is someone that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
MENU - FIRST HALF OF OCTOBER 2012
Tim is almost done with the weight loss phase of Take Shape For Life. In an attempt to mesh his meals with our budget, he's often eating different dinners than we are these days That will change once he can add beans back into his diet and we all find a new normal, but we've never eaten meat with every dinner and can't start now. Meanwhile, we're finding some new lean and green recipes that will get added into our regular menus and keeping our grocery budget where it needs to be. Any meal on our regular menu that Tim is eating will be marked with his initial. Otherwise I'll list his meals separately.
Quick stop for two new things we liked on the last menu.
* taco casserole - Pretty self-explanatory. Big hit with the little Ws.
* hearty chicken vegetable soup - Tim's not a big soup fan, but he likes this one.
BREAKFASTS
* doughnuts x2
* oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, raisins, huh-koe-pee milk, and energy mix as optional toppings x10
* egg & potato scramble (potatoes baked in advance)
* yogurt with fruit & nutty, fruity granola
* snickerdoodle muffins
* oatmeal pancakes
DINNERS
* leftovers x2
* tacos x3
* lentils & rice/green salad x2
* Hawaiian chicken (crockpot)/rice/green salad
* lemon Greek salad (barbecue, T x2)
* barbecue chicken pizza/celery & carrots
* marinated salmon (Tim's catch, barbecue)/roasted broccoli/rice(T)
* zesty chicken (crockpot, made two - one for dinner, one for freezer, used carcass for making broth)/couscous/roasted lemon cabbage (T - chicken over spinach x2)
* meatless minestrone (use leftover roasted cabbage)
* quinoa & black beans/celery & carrots
* brown rice & lentil salad over spinach
* chicken vegetable soup (chicken, broth from the zesty chicken carcass, & a random assortment of veggies in the crockpot)/buttermilk biscuits with chives & black pepper
TIM
* green bean lasagna x2
* broccoli chicken Dijon (going to try some of this in the crockpot) x4
* new pizza recipe x4
* stuffed portabella mushrooms
SNACKS & DESSERT
* produce
* popcorn
* zucchini cake
Quick stop for two new things we liked on the last menu.
* taco casserole - Pretty self-explanatory. Big hit with the little Ws.
* hearty chicken vegetable soup - Tim's not a big soup fan, but he likes this one.
BREAKFASTS
* doughnuts x2
* oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, raisins, huh-koe-pee milk, and energy mix as optional toppings x10
* egg & potato scramble (potatoes baked in advance)
* yogurt with fruit & nutty, fruity granola
* snickerdoodle muffins
* oatmeal pancakes
DINNERS
* leftovers x2
* tacos x3
* lentils & rice/green salad x2
* Hawaiian chicken (crockpot)/rice/green salad
* lemon Greek salad (barbecue, T x2)
* barbecue chicken pizza/celery & carrots
* marinated salmon (Tim's catch, barbecue)/roasted broccoli/rice(T)
* zesty chicken (crockpot, made two - one for dinner, one for freezer, used carcass for making broth)/couscous/roasted lemon cabbage (T - chicken over spinach x2)
* meatless minestrone (use leftover roasted cabbage)
* quinoa & black beans/celery & carrots
* brown rice & lentil salad over spinach
* chicken vegetable soup (chicken, broth from the zesty chicken carcass, & a random assortment of veggies in the crockpot)/buttermilk biscuits with chives & black pepper
TIM
* green bean lasagna x2
* broccoli chicken Dijon (going to try some of this in the crockpot) x4
* new pizza recipe x4
* stuffed portabella mushrooms
SNACKS & DESSERT
* produce
* popcorn
* zucchini cake
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
DADS & DAUGHTERS CAMPOUT 2012
Last year Tim and Naomi were invited to the first annual dads and daughters campout, but we already had something else on the calendar and they weren't able to go. This year, though, it worked out. Six dads and seven daughters met up at Milo McIver a couple weekends ago and roasted marshmallows, sang songs, caught fish, rode bikes, checked out the bat barn, and did each other's hair ... well, the girls did that part. They had a great time!
Monday, October 1, 2012
BOOKS I FINISHED - SEPTEMBER 2012
The House of Sixty Fathers, written by Meinert De Jong and illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The fictional story of a young boy who was separated from his family during the Japanese invasion of China and the long journey he takes to find his way back to his home and family. I had a really hard time getting into this book and it won't make my list of favorites, but it was fine. Silas liked it enough to say he'd read it again. Incidentally, one of the author's other books, The Wheel on the School, also took me a long time to get into and I enjoyed it much more the second time through than the first.
Homesick: My Own Story, written by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. This book is technically fiction, but mostly fact, and I really enjoyed it. The author is an American who was born and raised in China, then moved to America just before eighth grade. This is her story of leaving the only land she knew, a country in turmoil, to live in the country she was homesick for, a country she'd never been to.
The Kite Fighters, written by Linda Sue Park
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The fictional story of two brothers, one skilled at making kites and the other at flying them, who want to combine their talents for the New Year Festival kite fights, yet birth order and tradition dictate the brother less skilled at flying would have to be the one to compete.
Mission to Cathay, written by Madeleine Polland and illustrated by Peter Landa
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The story of the first Western Christian missionary to mainland China. I did not enjoy this book at all, but I slogged through it. The story was interesting, but the way the book was written has it ranked in my five least favorite school books ... and I'm not sure I even know what the other four books in that category are.
The Big Wave, written by Pearl S. Buck
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The fictional story of a boy whose home and family are washed away in a Japanese tidal wave. A quick read with lessons in courage, friendship, and priorities.
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage More to Make Us Holy Than to Make Us Happy?, written by Gary Thomas
I'm reading through this book with a group of friends, discussing one chapter each week. The group's on week four, but I finished the whole book and am going back each week to re-read and discuss the chapter the group is on. Lots of challenging things in this book!
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The fictional story of a young boy who was separated from his family during the Japanese invasion of China and the long journey he takes to find his way back to his home and family. I had a really hard time getting into this book and it won't make my list of favorites, but it was fine. Silas liked it enough to say he'd read it again. Incidentally, one of the author's other books, The Wheel on the School, also took me a long time to get into and I enjoyed it much more the second time through than the first.
Homesick: My Own Story, written by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. This book is technically fiction, but mostly fact, and I really enjoyed it. The author is an American who was born and raised in China, then moved to America just before eighth grade. This is her story of leaving the only land she knew, a country in turmoil, to live in the country she was homesick for, a country she'd never been to.
The Kite Fighters, written by Linda Sue Park
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The fictional story of two brothers, one skilled at making kites and the other at flying them, who want to combine their talents for the New Year Festival kite fights, yet birth order and tradition dictate the brother less skilled at flying would have to be the one to compete.
Mission to Cathay, written by Madeleine Polland and illustrated by Peter Landa
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The story of the first Western Christian missionary to mainland China. I did not enjoy this book at all, but I slogged through it. The story was interesting, but the way the book was written has it ranked in my five least favorite school books ... and I'm not sure I even know what the other four books in that category are.
The Big Wave, written by Pearl S. Buck
Pre-read for Silas and Devon. The fictional story of a boy whose home and family are washed away in a Japanese tidal wave. A quick read with lessons in courage, friendship, and priorities.
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage More to Make Us Holy Than to Make Us Happy?, written by Gary Thomas
I'm reading through this book with a group of friends, discussing one chapter each week. The group's on week four, but I finished the whole book and am going back each week to re-read and discuss the chapter the group is on. Lots of challenging things in this book!
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