Menu Plan

Here's the plan for this week:

Sunday
Grabbed some fast food for lunch
Leftover Stroganoff for supper

Monday
Tacos/Taco Salad
*Make chicken broth & prep for Tuesday's soup*

Tuesday
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Cheese Biscuits

Wednesday
Leftovers

Thursday
Crockpot Beef Burgundy, Roasted Vegetables & Potatoes

Friday
Leftovers

Saturday
Homemade Pizza & Caesar Salad

*For more great meal ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*

Feminine Friday

I probably changed my outfit 3 times today. I'm having a hard time finding things to wear that I feel good in these days. I definitely have gained more weight this pregnancy than I had hoped and I still have 10 weeks to go! Oh well...last time I got the weight off fairly easily and quickly, so hopefully I can do the same this time around. I'm just so hungry...all the time! :-)

Linking up with Feminine Friday.

Extra Grace

I need it today. I also need to show it today.

Last night was a long night. (Or is that, a short night?) For some reason, Little Ellie was extremely restless, refusing to fall asleep, and cried/screamed on and off for over 5 hours half-asleep. She would just about be sleeping and then she'd startle awake and cry again. And I have no idea why. We had been making some progress with her falling asleep on her own and staying in bed most of the night. Progress...as in 2 days in a row of this, but the last 2 nights have been rough ones. Like I said before, I'm not sure why. I caved last night and after things were not going well, I crawled into bed with her to try to help her get to sleep. It didn't work. Several hours later, I stumbled into bed sometime after 2 a.m. and she finally fell asleep beside me. Due to her intermittent crying (which was mostly in a half asleep/half awake state), poor hubby was kept up most of the night, too. He ended up sleeping in the spare room/baby's room sometime around 2 a.m. So today, I am tired. My head is in a fog. I am feeling impatient and slightly grumpy. I'm also sure less than 6 hours of sleep is not enough for a 2 year old. Oh how I pray we can figure out these sleeping troubles in the next 10 weeks before the baby arrives. I'm getting nervous. It's not good for me, not good for hubby, and most importantly, not good for her. She needs her sleep. Just when I thought we were making progress, things get crazy again. I think (and hope) a nap is in the plans for today.

Menu Plan Monday

Here's the plan for this week:

Sunday
Ordered In

Monday
Leftover Fried Chicken for me and Ellie, Chicken Strips for hubby, Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Tuesday
Ginger Beef Stir Fry & Veggies (NEW - still haven't made this yet!), Rice

Wednesday
Turkey Meatballs (from freezer), Mashed Potatoes, Spaghetti Squash

Thursday
Leftovers

Friday
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff (using ground beef instead of stew beef), Egg Noodles, Peas & Carrots

Saturday
Leftovers

*For more great meal ideas visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*

Is It Worth It?

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All those dishes washed, dried, and put away... only to be dirtied again...and again

All the laundry sorted, washed, dried, folded, and put away...only to be dirtied again...and again

All the dirty diapers changed....only to be dirtied again

All the messes cleaned

All the grimy hands and faces washed

All the toilets scrubbed

the floors swept

the tables wiped

the meals made.

Is it worth it?

Yes, it's worth it.

Why?

Because of the people who eat those meals, dirty the dishes, the clothes, the diapers, the house, their hands, the toilets, floors, and tables. Because the child whose grimy hands you wipe and face you clean is the same child who squeezes your hand, kisses your face, and tells you I love you. Because though you may go days without an audible "thank you", the King of Kings' love letter says you are worth more than rubies. Because though the world tells you your work is worthless, you know your labour is not in vain; you are storing up treasures in heaven.

So when the Devil tries to make you question if it's worth it, just remember one thing.

You are investing in souls.

There couldn't possibly be anything in the world more worth it.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, training them up in God's fear, minding the house, and making your household a church for God as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of Hosts. - Charles Spurgeon



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Shopping Day and Holidays

We are really enjoying our holidaying at home this week. We got Ellie's room and our basement spare room painted. I got another batch of salsa made and have a few little projects I hope to finish this week. We are just enjoying eating out when we feel like it and staying home when we feel like it.

I absolutely LOVE the colour of Ellie's room (Benjamin Moore's Odessa Pink) and am thrilled with how her room is coming along even though I decided to go a bit of a different route than expected. Originally I was going for a more vintage, old fashioned look, but my indecisiveness crept up again and we are going with a more girly modern look with pinks and brown after I found some cute bedding. Yesterday we took a trip into the city to do some shopping. I picked up some new bedding for Ellie's room since we plan on switching her out of the toddler bed and into a twin bed soon. The bedding was found at a clearance center for half price and although different from what I imagined her bedding to be, I just couldn't resist it in the end. I also picked up a picture for her wall, brown curtains and a matching valence that I hope will work. The valence was regular $40 on sale for $5 so I figured it was worth the chance. I can't wait to show you all pictures but for now, you'll have to wait since we haven't moved her bed up yet. It could be a few weeks before it all comes together. I also did some shopping for myself and picked up a few maternity clothes, some which will hopefully transition nicely back into my regular ward robe after the baby's born. Overall, it was a fantastic day and I was SO impressed with how well Ellie did. It was a long day for her but she was so happy and well behaved in general, it was far less stressful than I thought it would be.
We are making slow progress with Ellie's bedtime. She is getting more used to falling asleep on her own but still getting out of bed at night.
This morning I had an appointment with my midwife and this afternoon I'm going for a hair cut. Should be another great day!

Get Dressed Challenge

I'll confess. There are days where I don't exactly "get dressed." Of course I'm wearing "clothes", but if the doorbell rings...well...I might not be answering because I'm too embarrassed about what I'm wearing. I might be in my pj's or a pair of comfy pants and t-shirt. My hair might not be combed and I probably do not have any makeup on. Not good.

This is one of the great pitfalls of being a stay-at-home-mom - the misconception that what you look like doesn't matter when you stay at home all day and see no one but your kids and husband. This is an easy rut to fall into. I've been there many times. My "worst" was probably a year or two after I got married; we had no kids, but I worked a housekeeping job that required me to wear a uniform. I would come home, change into sweats, and throw on a baggy t-shirt...even (gasp!) my husband's t-shirt once in awhile. Terrible, I know. Thankfully, I got rid of most of my baggy, ugly t-shirts a few years ago when I said enough was enough.
Now with a busy toddler who doesn't sleep well and a baby on the way, it's still a challenge most days to make an effort to look presentable although I think I am improving from where I was a couple years ago. But my daughter and husband deserve better, don't they? I know from past experience I also feel better and get more accomplished when I take just a few minutes to pull myself together for the day.

What does this challenge mean to me? It doesn't mean getting "fancied up" every day, per say. For me, it doesn't mean wearing a skirt or dress every day (although I might wear them more than usual.) For me it means making an effort and actually giving thought and time to my clothes, makeup, and hair choices whenever possible whereas previously I would have given little or no thought to my appearance. It means a change in attitude by remembering my husband is worth the effort and remembering my daughter is watching me even if no one else is.

Oh yes, and I'll try to take some pictures along the way.

Quick Update.

I know I'm supposed to be "unplugged" for awhile, but I just felt like doing a quick disjointed update.

The house is quiet.

My hubby is at Bible Study, while I am home with Ellie who is not quite over her cold.
I have a bit of a cold, too, but it's not too bad other than the sinus headache.

Ellie and I baked cookies tonight. We ate more than we should have. :-)

Miraculously, Ellie went to sleep in record time. Maybe it was all the cookies ? :-)

Miraculously, she went to sleep by herself with me sitting outside her room. No back patting, no complaining, not much of anything.

I am working on getting her to bed by herself. Before this we cultivated some bad habits where she depended on me to rub her back until she fell asleep. Now the goal is to slowly transition her to falling asleep totally on her own, even without me in sight.

We did 2 or 3 nights of me sitting in the rocking chair while she begged me to rub her back and gave me every excuse under the sun to try to get out of bed. I held strong, ignored her, and didn't give in, even though it was SO difficult. "Mama? Little back. Little back. Please, Mama. Back rub. Please."

Tonight I tucked her in and then sat outside her room. She went to sleep on her own in less than 5 minutes. I hope this is progress.

The nights are still rough. Last night I was up with a headache until about 1 a.m. Just as I was falling asleep, Ellie woke up and I was up with her from about 2 till 4:30 a.m. I'm trying to give her as little attention as possible in the night. No more back rubs. No conversations. I hope she learns to stay in bed soon.

My husband is blessing me immensely this week by letting me sleep in late in the morning when I'm up most of the night. He is off work this week and helping me so much by just giving me a break and letting me sleep when I'm so sleep deprived. THANK YOU!

Ellie is really interested in potty training again and has gone several times when we put her on the potty. Here's hoping we're on our way to no more diapers for good this time.

We are getting ready to paint Ellie's room and a room downstairs. I am so indecisive when it comes to picking paint. I'm a little afraid of my choice but decided on it based on this inspiration picture. The paint colour is Odessa Pink by Benjamin Moore. It's kind of a pinkish tan colour.


photo credit

Honest Thoughts & Unplugging Awhile

Interesting thing. I had no idea how I was going to write this post, so I just started by typing out "I am tired." As I typed it, the Lord brought to mind Matthew 11:28. I went to my next feeling and the Lord brought to mind Philippians 4:13. As I went through every single thing I have been struggling with lately, the Lord brought to mind encouraging verses to counteract every struggle I'm facing right now. I didn't go searching for verses to console me. Each one was brought to my mind as I typed out my struggle. How caring and awesome is our God!? Maybe these verses can be of encouragement for you, too.


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I am tired.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

I feel inadequate. No, I am inadequate.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

I lack wisdom when it comes to child training.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

I mess up a lot and do things and say things I shouldn't say.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I feel worried about baby #2's arrival, worrying about the delivery and whether or not Ellie's sleep issues will be worked out by then. What if I have a toddler up 3 + times a night and have to get up to nurse a baby? Worse yet, what if the baby is colicky? How will I manage?
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

I am having a hard time right now seeing past the sleepless nights, laundry, messes, and "mundane" tasks of being a stay-at-home-mom.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Cor 10:31
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9

But that's just the thing..."if we faint not." I AM weary and growing faint.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Sometimes I just feel so lonely, so helpless, and the tears freely flow in the middle of the night when I just don't know what to do with a crying, upset toddler who doesn't even want to be held or consoled and refuses to sleep.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Thank you God for caring for me and reminding me of these verses. You always know just what to say.

...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Thank you Jesus for being my friend.




P.S. I don't plan on blogging much in the next couple weeks. There might be a short post here and there; it all just depends on how things are going. I'm going to try to get a few bigger projects done in the next while like cleaning out closets, switching out summer clothes for fall, giving potty training another go, and hopefully painting our daughter's room. I have lots to do before baby #2 arrives in only 3 months. Hope you are enjoying Fall. It's my favourite season! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for. I can't help but think how different our life was one year ago when we didn't know exactly what was wrong with Ellie. We missed birthday parties and I think we missed our family Thanksgiving gatherings (although I can't quite remember, to be honest). This time around Ellie has come down with a cold, but thankfully it seems pretty minor and no fevers yet, which means no trips to the hospital so far


I am thankful for a roof over my head, plenty of food on the table, friends and family, a wonderful hard-working husband, adorable daughter, and baby #2. Most importantly, I am thankful for the free gift of salvation, offered to all. Through simple faith in Christ and repentance from our sins, we can be forgiven of our sin and be reconciled unto God.


Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

This is so simple and delicious. Mine isn't much to look at, but it tastes good! The recipe come from my husband's aunt. Adjust amounts to suit however many people you need to feed.

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken breasts, thinly sliced (I usually slice mine horizontally)
Small box of ritz bits crackers, crushed
Slices of mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
Slices of ham

Mix melted butter and crushed cracker crumbs. In a greased 9 x 13 inch pan, spread half of the crumb mixture on the bottom. Top with half the chicken slices, then all the ham slices, the mozza slices, and then the rest of the chicken. Top with remaining crumbs. Bake at 350 F for 1 1/2 hours or until done.

Menu Plan

Here's what we'll be eating this week:

Sunday
Leftovers for Lunch
Out for Supper

Monday
Bean & Sausage Chili Soup (using leftover sausage from last week)

Tuesday
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu (recipe to come), Mashed Potatoes, Coleslaw, Steamed Carrots

Wednesday
Ginger Beef (NEW), Stir Fry Veggies, Rice

Thursday
Shipwreck, Tossed Salad

Friday
Leftovers

Saturday
Chicken Fingers, Oven Fries, Veggies & Dip


*Alternate Quick Meals for the Week - Fettuccine Alfredo with Salad
- Pizza Buns

*Linking up to Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*