lola.makes.three

New Blog!

2007-08-29T19:32:00.000-06:00

I've decided to start doing my blogging on my Mac and to stop using blogger. If you're not automatically redirected, click here:

http://web.mac.com/gracew0729/lola.makes.three/Blog/Blog.html

I'm still working on moving my archives, but I will be posting there from now on.

So, for ALL of you loyal readers (because of course I have TONS) be sure to update your bookmarks/feeds!

To be perfect...

2007-08-18T21:27:00.000-06:00

I think I've written about this before, but sometimes, I just feel like I don't measure up as a wife/housekeeper. (Now, be kind, because I'm about to be really transparent about the kind of housekeeper I am. Note that none of this reflects on my Momma, who is an excellent housekeeper... somehow it just didn't seem to 'take' with me.) The feeling usually strikes when the sink is full of dirty dishes, the hamper is full of clothes, and I know good and well that the clothes in the washing machine have been in there for a couple of days and will need to be re-washed with white vinegar before I can start any more. Meanwhile, clutter is piling up on the coffee table, the bed's not made, and... I think you get the picture.

Bottom line, while I want my home to be a sanctuary for my husband, myself, our friends, and anyone else who happens to pass through our doors, I have some trouble executing that. And I don't even have kids to worry about!

Katherine, at Raising Five, has written a post that makes me feel a *little* bit better about that. She writes that we need to remember the difference between Homemaking and Housekeeping. Housekeeping is one job of a homemaker, but that's not all. Filling our homes with love, charity, and the warmth of the love of Christ is our primary responsibility. Also, she says that measuring ourselves by a fictitious "perfect" standard sets us up for disappointment in ourselves and, inevitably, failure.

Oh that I could remember these points! I know that the perfect standard I imagine is unattainable. I am not perfect. We're all flawed! I need to try, to do what I can, and to realize that there are more important things than having a perfect house--specifically, to work on having a warm, inviting home.

(excuse me, I have to go put those clothes in the dryer now, before they mildew!)

Bored to tears...

2007-08-15T12:35:00.001-06:00

What is the origin of the phrase, "Bored to tears?" At any rate, I think it's possible. I'm actually so bored that I feel like tears could spring to my eyes at any moment. Rescue me! What do you do when you're this bored?

(note: I spent the last 15 minutes googling for the origin of the phrase "bored to tears". Now that that 15 minutes is over, what will I do for the rest of my 3.5 hour work day?????)

Menu Plan Monday: August 13

2007-08-13T08:01:00.000-06:00

Monday: Stir Fry
Tuesday: Block Party Cook-Out!
Wednesday: Saucy Honey Mustard Chicken, Uncle Ben's Wild rice, mixed veggies
Thursday: Easiest Quesadillas, refried beans
Friday: Homemade Pizza Rolls, Un-fried French Fries
Saturday: Steuffer's Lasagna, garlic bread, corn
Sunday: Oven Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Don't forget to look for more menu ideas at Laura's blog, I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Sleeeeeeeeep...

2007-08-13T07:07:00.001-06:00

I am fully aware that any moms out there are going to roll their eyes and tell me to grow up when they read this, but...

Lola has stopped sleeping through the night. She no longer snuggles. She no longer lets us sleep for as long as she wants to. She gets up at about 5:30 each morning, bugs me for 10 mins or so, then gets up at 7 for good.

The sad thing is that there are only like 4 more days that I could sleep in before school stuff starts, but I think that I'm probably not going to get to for any of them. Worse than that is that Jon, who is not really a cat person, but got her to make me happy, is getting increasingly frustrated/angry with her waking him up.

*end whining*

I recommend...

2007-08-07T12:08:00.000-06:00

There have been several things brewing around in my mind that I wanted to recommend to anyone who happens to read this, so I figured I'd just make a list.

Music

My. Goodness. Monk & Neagle's "Twenty-First Time" is my new favorite CD! I am so glad that I got a review copy so that I can tell you guys to all go out and get it! Especially great songs: Beautiful You, Hallelujah Jesus, Wonderful Angel, Into Orbit... Basically, it's a great mix of Jesus songs and Love songs with an acoustic sound that just makes me grin.

Food

Quaker Rice Snacks in Ranch Flavor- I've been bringing these in my lunch every day. They are SO good! :) They have just the right amount of seasoning, and the crunch I need to make me feel like I'm eating something bad for me.

Websites

www.hungry-girl.com: I just found this website. It's written in a cute, funny tone, and has all kinds of great tips on healthy eating alternatives. I signed up to receive the daily e-mails, but in the mean time I'm having a great time going through the archives!

Menu Plan Monday - August 6

2007-08-06T09:08:00.000-06:00

(Sorry I'm missing so many recipes; it usually bugs me when people do this! I'm just at work and don't have my cookbook with me.)

Monday - Oven BBQ Chicken, rice, green beans
Tuesday - Dinner with friends
Wednesday - Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin (purchased marinated from store), Cindy Davis Green beans (buttery & sweet--recipe to come), garlic cheese rolls (so easy; recipe to come)
Thursday - Sour Cream and Dill Chicken, egg noodles, mixed veggies
Friday - Tasty Taco Bake, Pico de Gallo
Saturday - Honey Mustard Chicken (husband's fav--recipe to come), rice, mixed veggies

As always, check Laura's site, I'm an Organizing Junkie, for more menu ideas. Thanks Laura!

And if that wasn't enough...

2007-07-27T16:27:00.000-06:00

5 Minutes for Mom, together with Best Buy, is hosting a giveaway for a flat-panel LCD HDTV!!!

...

IF you wanted to enter (which, I mean, surely you won't, right?) the link is here. :)

And the winner is......

2007-07-27T06:08:00.001-06:00

Jessica! Who, unfortunately, doesn't have a blog I can direct you to. Too bad, because I'm sure I would love to read her thoughts (that's my favorite part of blogs)! I am e-mailing her to let her know that she has won. :)

On second note--I am leaving for vacation to Colorado tomorrow, so if you're here to contact me about having WON your giveaway (which, hopefully SOMEBODY is--I mean, come on! I entered 18275057 of them!), and I don't get back to you for about a week, please know that it's just because I don't have internet access!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for entering the giveaway and/or for giving me prizes. :) I hope you'll stay to look around and see what I'm all about. Have a blessed day!! :)

An lm3 Giveaway! Handmade Cards

2007-07-23T08:47:00.001-06:00

As part of the super Dog Days of Summer blog giveaway hosted by Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer, I'm giving away some handmade greeting cards that I made myself. To win, just make a comment! You don't have to be a blogger to win, but if you're not, be sure to leave an e-mail address! I will randomly draw for a winner this Friday. If you win, I will ship the cards to you. Because we're poor college students and I would be hardpressed to afford out-of-US shipping, I'm going to have to limit this giveaway to people who are stateside. Sorry!! I hope you like the cards!

Be SURE to go to Rocks in My Dryer for more giveaways!!!

On the top left, the card says, "I owe the much: thou hast deserv'd from me far, far beyond what I can ever pay." (Robert Blair)

The top middle, pink card, says Miss You

The top right card says "CONGRATS" in metal letter blocks

Bottom Left is a christmas tree made from ribbon and buttons.

The bottom middle card says, "Way to Go!!!!!!"

And the bottom right says "Happy Summer" The popcicle is raised from the card. This card has two stickers inside it--one is a little girl playing with a sprinkler, and another is a girl holding water balloons. (No words)

Except for the summer card, each card is blank inside.

BooMama Hooked Me Up!

2007-07-19T11:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, BooMama alerted the blogosphere that she would post a link today that would lead to a free Monk & Neagle CD! Now, I had not heard of Monk & Neagle until she started raving about them, but I had heard a couple of their songs on the radio without realizing it.

If you hurry, maybe you can get one too! Just go to this webpage. But hurry!

WFMW: Simple Recipe Holder

2007-07-18T08:57:00.000-06:00

I like to keep my recipes online (you can see my recipe blog here). Then, when I want to cook them, I print them out. My tip today is meant to keep the recipes easy to see and out of the way. I just put them on the oven hood with a magnet! Here's an example:

That paper is my recipe. :) Hope this helps another cook! Don't forget to check for more tips on Shannon's site, Rocks in my Dryer!

Something More

2007-07-17T09:45:00.000-06:00

Last night, when I was washing dishes, I looked out the window and saw a girl taking out the trash, and I had no idea who she was. This may not seem like a big deal, but it really struck me. There are only 16 apartments in our complex, and we go to a kind of small school. Last year, our apartments were full, and I can only say that I knew a few of the wives who lived in them.

I think God wants something more.

We are all in similar situations--young, newly married, most of us in school. We're just figuring out all of this. Instead of being isolated, what if we were in regular fellowship? Finding support from each other in these new uncharted territories?

I have a vision for these women. I'm just figuring out what God wants, but I think it's definitely something more.

Where? WHERE?

2007-07-16T17:02:00.000-06:00

Things that are currently missing in our 500 sq. ft. apartment:

The remote for the TV. This would not be a problem, since our Tivo remote controls the power, volume, and channels... EXCEPT that it will not switch the input on the TV. So, for Jonathan to play PS2 or for us to watch a DVD, we have to manually switch the cable cord from the playstation to the TV. If you knew my husband, you would know that this is a time-consuming problem.
A library book. My library record is... blemished. I tend to be a less than responsible patron, but usually I know where the book is, but just delay in turning it in. A few weeks ago, I was reading a novel in our bedroom on a Sunday afternoon. Now, I have absolutely. no. idea. where it is. And I have looked!
2 mice with jingle tails, 2 stuffed leopard-printed balls with feathers. Lola apparently has found some storage place in the apartment that I have yet to discover. Her toys disappear. They are not under the couch, or the bed, or the TV, or anywhere that I can find. Until about 30 minutes ago, this list also included a minature yellow stuffed duck. I retrieved him from under the fridge with a hanger. By the time I had returned the hanger to the closet, Mr. Quackers (Jonathan named him) had returned to his hiding spot under the fridge. I dug him out again and then put a dish towel under the fridge opening.
This list goes on with other things that are escaping my mind right now.

But really! WHERE could this stuff BE?

I'm one of Rachel's Company Girls!

2007-07-16T14:17:00.001-06:00

Rachel Anne, of Home Sanctuary, has asked me to be one of her company girls! She explains the phrase here. I've been reading Rachel's blog for awhile, and I am always inspired by her sincere, insightful words. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should!

Today, she really got me with this post about June Cleaver. Definitely go read how she put it, but the essence is that maybe the Beav's mom had a good idea, cleaning in her pearls and heels. As wives and moms, maybe we can get more done, and be respected more, if we'd dress for success.

I know this is a problem for me. Jonathan and I are coming up on our one-year anniversary (in less than 2 weeks), and I haven't improved at housekeeping as much as I would like to. On days when he works and I don't, I wake up with lofty goals, but by the time he gets home, it seems I've done nothing! I'm not sure if it's a lack of motivation, or something else, but it seems I have trouble getting things done. I don't even have children to worry about--just me and Lola--so I shouldn't have a problem here! Maybe if I would get myself up and get dressed, I would have better luck getting everything done.

I really want my home to be the sanctuary that Rachel's blog title refers to--and not just for my husband and I. Our apartment is on campus--in between the most beautiful, quaint one-room church that was moved to our campus and a dorm. All of our school friends, as well as the freshman girls who I lead in bible study live in dorms or school-furnished apartments. I really desire for our home to be a place with open doors to which our friends can come and find sanctuary.

If anyone read this who has this housekeeping thing under control, please shed some advice!!!

Menu Plan Monday - July 16

2007-07-16T09:33:00.000-06:00

It seems that my blog has just been a place for me to post meal plans and sprinkle in a few other random posts! I'm hoping that when I start my practicum, I will have more interesting stories to tell. Right now, summer consists of work and studying for the GRE!

But on to the Menu Plan! We had several things come up last week, so I'm recycling some of the recipes.

Monday: Garlic Parmesan Chicken (I still can't wait to try this!), wild rice, veggies
Tuesday: Slow-Cooker Porkchops (A definite Favorite), mashed potatoes, veggies
Wednesday: Oven Barbecued Chicken, green beans, rice
Thursday: Not cooking
Friday: Foil-Pouch Taco Chicken, Mexican Rice, Refried beans, Salad
Saturday: Out of town
Sunday: Out of town

Be sure to check out Laura's blog, at I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas!

Summer Giveaway Extravaganza!

2007-07-16T09:17:00.001-06:00

First of all, let me say, I .love. this idea!!!

Shannon, over at Rocks in My Dryer, is hosting a Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway!

I've put the banner in my sidebar and I'm already trying to decide what to give away!

My Favorite Cookbook

2007-07-11T18:31:00.001-06:00

(Almost my favorite book, period.)

This book is so full of tips, recipes, and ideas, that every time I go through it, I find something new. The idea is to have a book that promotes frugal cooking/housekeeping/gift giving/habits, and it exceeds expectations! The recipes are for down-home, real food. Nothing is too fancy.

There are tons of tips and encouraging sayings, many of which are from a Christian perspective! (ex: "Never be discouraged. Remember, Noah was an amateur. The experts built the Titanic.")

There's also a 32 pg. section on mixes for giftgiving, a 22 pg. section on recipes for kids (including playdough, finger paints, snow ice cream, etc.), and a a 32 pg. section on cleaning tips (including recipes for cleaning solutions, etc.) and a 22 pg. section on beauty recipies (homemade leg wax anyone??)

This guide (because it's really more than a cookbook) is great for basic recipes, tips, and teaching general housekeeping stuff!

In sum, I'd recommend it to anyone!

Menu Plan Monday - July 9

2007-07-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

Monday - Cheesy Pasta (from a bag)
Tuesday - Honey Mustard Chicken
Wednesday - Hot Dogs
Thursday - Foil Pack Taco Chicken Dinner
Friday - Pizza Rolls
Saturday - Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Sunday - Crock Pot Pork Chops

Be sure to look for more tasty meal plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Menu Plan Monday: July 2

2007-07-02T08:51:00.000-06:00

We've had several unexpected expenses in the last week or so, so this is my penny-pinching menu!

Monday: Oven Barbecue Chicken
Tuesday: Hotdogs
Wednesday: Granny's House!
Thursday: Easy Enchiladas
Friday: Hotdogs again/leftovers (if necessary... but we probably won't be here)

We love the enchiladas; they're super easy, and semi-healthy! I like to make a double batch of the meat, and then freeze half until the next time I make it. Then, it's even easier!!

Be sure to get more menu ideas on Laura's blog at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

I love... Sushi.

2007-07-01T18:57:00.001-06:00

This image of a spicy tuna roll makes me hungrier than you can imagine! I would gladly give up many, many things if you could promise me a steady supply of sushi.

Problem 1: There is no sushi in this small, small town.
Problem 2: My sushi tastes, like seemingly all of my other tastes, are expensive. The cheap rolls are fine, but I am ALL. ABOUT. the specialty rolls with several kinds of fish and special sauces.

One day... One day, sushi.

Pimp my blog!

2007-07-01T18:38:00.000-06:00

Let me just say that I am very proud of myself. I found a tutorial about how to add a picture to the top of my blog. Then, I found a picture on google image search... BUT, it wasn't big enough.
SO I made it bigger in the new image editing software that came with our printer (which is surprisingly RICH in features!)... BUT, it was kind of pixelated because I had made it bigger. SO I added an "oil painting" filter to make it look pretty... BUT it wasn't quite the right color. SO I added blue to it to make it match the background.

Anyway, I'm just excited I discovered how to use the softwre, and how to make my blog prettier. :)

(all the while, Lola snuggles IN my lap, UNDER the laptop. She almost doesn't fit (I think she's growing faster than she realizes)! But I bet she likes the warmth the motor makes.)

11 months...

2007-06-29T17:53:00.000-06:00

Today is Jonathan & my 11 month wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that next month, we will have been married for a whole year! It's been such a good 11 months... I cannot wait to see what comes next!

Practicum

2007-06-28T14:46:00.000-06:00

Note: If you don't know, this is a very. big. deal.

I'll soon be in the process of applying for grad schools, and until that time comes, I'm doing everything I can to make myself the best candidate I can be. I'm maintaining good grades, I'm studying for the GRE, I'm making good relationships with my professors so that I can have great letters of recommendation, and I've done extensive research (NOT my cup of tea) that I'm going to write an undergraduate thesis on (breathe...)...

Now, the one thing missing here is work experience. So, I've been looking for a practicum (a volunteer work experience in Psychology that will earn me credit towards graduation) for a couple of months now. I wanted to work in a hospital (because I'm hoping that will give me an edge getting into the program of my choice, which is actually primarily a medical school).

And I got one! I'll be working at a hospital near here (it's about a 35 minute commute) on their inpatient unit. I am VERY excited.

Warning: Details to follow which may seem boring if you don't know what I'm talking about.

The unit has 20 beds, which apparently are nearly always all full. The (I'm not sure what to call them yet... patients? clients? I'm sure there's a "correct" term) have 4 group sessions a day, and there are three kinds of sessions: Process sessions (where they talk about some issue facing them... one ex. I saw on the board was self-mutilation), Expression sessions (typically a game or arts/crafts, etc.), and Education sessions (learning about processes and topics they should know).

I'm so excited to get started. I can't wait to converse with the patients, and see all the things I've been learning about in real life. The therapists said that most of the people they get are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, some are detoxing from an addiction, and sometimes they get people with personality disorders. (You may not know this, but THIS is exciting).

Anyway. Hopefully, I'll have some good stories to tell. :)

Menu Plan Monday: June 25

2007-06-25T15:16:00.000-06:00

Monday: Quesadillas, Mex. rice, beans
Tuesday: Chicken in Lime Butter, wild rice, veggies
Wednesday: Tasty Taco Bake, corn
Thursday: McCormick Pulled Pork (slow cooker), french fries
Friday: Chicken Cordon Blue (pre-packaged), wild rice, veggies
Saturday: Sour Cream & Dill Chicken, egg noodles, green beans
Sunday: Roast, carrots, potatoes

Wordless Wednesday: June 20

2007-06-20T10:10:00.001-06:00

This is Lola, with her baby.

WFMW: Stinky Laundry

2007-06-20T09:55:00.000-06:00

In the interest of transparency, I'll admit that I haven't quite gotten the hang of keeping house. I'm trying--but ~~occasionally~~ sometimes I get bored, or distracted, or I forget what I was doing.

Often, it happens with laundry--I'll wash a load before running off to class, or to work, or... well, it really doesn't matter, does it! And then I'll forget it's in there and it will be a day or so before I remember that it's in there and that I need to dry it. By that time, it smells kind of... off.

Solution? Run the wash again with some white vinegar in there along with the detergent. It fixes the smell and when they're done drying, you don't even smell the vinegar. Works for me!

Be sure to check for other great tips at Rocks in My Dryer.

Menu Plan Monday - June 18

2007-06-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

Looks like I was a slacker on my blog this week!! For now, these are my meals for this week... I'm having trouble feeling inspired, though, so these are subject to change!!

Monday: Chinese Take-Out

Tuesday: Easy Quesadillas

Wednesday: Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

Thursday: Skirt-Steaks w/ Blue Cheese Butter, Roasted Asparagus Tips, and Sherry Cherry Tomatoes (Saw this meal on Rachael Ray, and I've been wanting to try it!!)

Friday: Leaving Town

Works for Me Wednesday: June 13

2007-06-13T09:34:00.000-06:00

Maybe it's just me, but when I cook refried beans to go with Mexican food (like the quesadillas we had last night), I ALWAYS burn some of them to the bottom of the pan, and then have a horrible time cleaning it up. Apparently, I am bean-cooking challenged.

Recently, instead, I started cooking them in the microwave in my 1.5 qt. pyrex bowl... Works great! I don't usually "cook" in the microwave unless something is frozen, but refried beans are one thing I doubt I will ever cook on the stove again.

See what works for other people at Shannon's blog, Rocks in my Dryer.

Menu Plan Monday

2007-06-11T08:10:00.000-06:00

This week, I'm working late again several nights, and Jon is having a hard time with something. Dinners are all about ease of preparation and his comfort foods.

Monday: Crock Pot Onion Soup Pork Chops (these didn't get made last week.), wild rice, veggies
Tuesday: Easy Quesadillas, Beans & Rice
Wednesday: Buffalo Chicken Breasts (new recipe), salad, rolls
Thursday: Oven BBQ Chicken (His absolute favorite), beans, rice

Friday my mom is coming to town... I haven't decided yet if I will cook or if we will go out.

Be sure to check out Laura's blog at I'm an Organizing Junkie to get more menu ideas!

HEC - Day 10

2007-06-10T15:25:00.000-06:00

I missed a few days of the HEC... Life, and all that, you know. But I'm back!

June 10--DAY 10
We all crave appreciation. We want to know that we are valued and loved. Early love letters probably reflected our admiration, but if we're not careful, our spouse will forget why we were drawn to him. If you still have any of your old love letters, re-read them for clues to deepen your current level of appreciation for your spouse. When we spend time criticizing our husbands, we lose time that could be spent admiring them. As you consider various ways to encourage your husband, ask, "How can I admire him?"

Does your husband know that you think he is attractive? What was one of the characteristics in your husband that first drew you to him? Was it a physical characteristic, or something else?

Was it his gentle, compassionate eyes? Kindness or concern for others? An easy-going confidence? A steadiness that comes from trusting in the Lord? Strength of character in a culture that lacks integrity? Do you see at least a glimpse of that characteristic in him today? Whatever it is, tell him!

When Jonathan and I first met, we became really close friends for about a year. I was drawn to his compassionate nature, his willingness to listen to me, and his concern for others. I didn't know that I could love a friend like I loved him. It took longer for me to notice his curly brown hair, and his gorgeous brown eyes. I think it was a blessing that we lived far apart--although it made it hard to "hang out," we became close without the possibility of a relationship ruining our friendship, and I became close to him before I felt something more. I grew to love his heart and his mind--not his looks or his touch.

Now, I still appreciate those characteristics in him, but I see more. I love his passion (for everything from sports to school to me). I love his tenderness and the way he makes a fool of himself--just to make me laugh.

I'm thankful for my husband, and I'm as attracted to him as I have ever been.

My heart right now...

2007-06-10T15:12:00.001-06:00

The more I seek you,
The more I find you.
The more I find you,
The more I love you.

I want to sit at your feet,
drink from the cup in your hands.
Lay back against you and breathe,
feel your heartbeat.

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace--
it's overwhelming.

Husband Encouragement Challenge: Day 2

2007-06-05T09:38:00.000-06:00

Reflections on Yesterday:
Yesterday, I repeatedly told Jonathan how thankful I am for how much he does for us--and he gave me good opportunity! We have been talking about buying a laptop when we graduate (next summer) for me to take to graduate school. Yesterday, he proposed a new plan: buy my laptop now because we are able to do so easily, and then save to buy one for him, too. He worked out how much it would cost, when we'd pay it off, where the money would come from, everything! So, tonight, we're ordering a new macbook. Yay!
He really does a great job providing for me and managing our money.

Here's the text for today's challenge, taken from Sarah's blog:

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

June 5--DAY 5
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29

Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build. Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members. Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.

This is something that I try to do sometimes, if not often. I heard once that a couple decided that they would never say anything negative about each other in the presence of other people--what a beautiful decision! I know that my mom is a close confidant to me, but I try not to air out negative things about Jon (when I'm perceiving some) to her. I want to stand by my husband, united with him.

I already know when I will be able to toot his horn to her today--when I tell her about the laptop plan!

Angela Hunt's "The Awakening"

2007-06-04T21:07:00.000-06:00

I love to read. The problem is that usually, by the time I'm done with my assigned reading for school (the portion that I do, anyway), I don't have time to read for pleasure. This summer, I'm working a job that requires a lot of just sitting and being available. If no one needs me, however, I have long stretches of time in which I can do whatever... And so far (3 days) I have used that time to read!

Yesterday and tonight I read Angela Hunt's The Awakening.

I really enjoyed it! It's a beautiful allegory about the love that God has for his children. At one point, Aurora (the main character) hears a voice that says, "I have always loved you." She doesn't know it, but it's God speaking to her. What a simple, poignant statement that we all need to hear.

I have always loved you.

It's a comforting whisper--a needed revelation.

My God never fails.

Husband Encouragement Challenge

2007-06-04T08:45:00.000-06:00

Laura, at In Light of the Truth, is hosting a 30-day Husband Encouragement Challenge for the month of June, which I think is SUCH a great idea!

I'm starting a little late, because today is the 4th, but I don't guess it's ever too late to start encouraging your husband.

I realize I just kind of jumped into posting without introducing myself. My name is Grace, and I've been married to Jonathan for just over 10 months. We are both psychology students, about to enter our senior year of our undergrad (although if you think this means we're almost done with school, you're DEFINITELY wrong. Jonathan is going to pursue a masters when we graduate, and I'm going after a PhD). Our faith is very important to us--we trust in Jesus as savior and strive to serve him. Also, we have a kitten named Lola (hence the name of the blog... I'm not TOO creative).

So, now that that's done with, here are the instructions for day 4 of the challenge, from Laura's blog::

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

June 4--DAY 4

" . . . let him labor, working with his hands what is good . . . " Eph. 4:28

We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.

Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career—such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

I am very thankful for Jonathan's job. He works as a Pharmacy Tech, which is a great job for an undergraduate. I especially appreciate his job because he recently found a new position. He was working in a hospital pharmacy, working until 9 most nights and working every other Sunday morning (if not more). While I was so proud of him for working so hard (usually about 40 hours a week, on top of being a full time student), I missed him.
Then, however, he got a new job at a retail pharmacy. His hours are less, he gets paid more, and they're always closed on Sundays and holidays (also an issue at the old job).

However, I'm thankful for other ways that Jon works for us, besides his job. He is an excellent manager of our money. God has blessed us generously (for college students!), and Jonathan is both a good steward and a good manager of what we have.

Ok, now that I've bragged on him some, I need to go wake him up so he can get off to that wonderful job! :)

Meal Plan Monday

2007-06-04T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hi! First time posting (to my blog, AND to MPM!), but I love reading Laura's blog at I'm An Organizing Junkie. I'm working till midnight several nights this week, so we don't have many meals on our mealplan, but I thought I'd share what we do have!

Slow-Cooker Onion Soup Pork Chops
Crab & Penne Casserole (from Simple & Delicious Magazine)
Parmesan Chicken Fingers (also from Simple & Delicious)
Mango CousCous w/ Salmon (yet again, from Simple & Delicious)

All of those links to the magazine are subscriber only, I'm guessing because they came out of recent issues. I would be glad to post the recipes, if anyone's interested!

Slow-Cooker Onion Soup Pork Chops (easy!)
Put pork chops in the slow cooker.
Add 1 can chicken broth (I guess you could use a different stock/broth also).
Add 1 packet of onion soup mix.
Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours.

This is SOOOOOOOO good! Jon & I think it would be good with Mashed Potatoes, but I haven't had time to do both together yet.