Bloom Where You're Planted

Bloomin' Monday: The Way We Were

2012-02-13T08:47:00.000-06:00

Before you moved, you made contacts. Once you got there, you made brownies. Then you joined a new group or two.

But at some point - if it hasn't happened already - it will hit you: things just aren't the same "here" as they were "there." For some of you, this will be a blissful realization. But for others of us, it will be a moment of profound grief.

The city where we have felt the most "at home" has been Knoxville, Tennessee. We loved our neighbors, we loved our church, we made close friends, we got involved, and then ... we had to move. Twice. Yes, we went through that heart-wrenching transition two different times. And both times I was pregnant.

The first time, we moved from Knoxville to Alabaster, Alabama. I'll never forget the first Sunday we drove into the parking lot of what would become our next church home. I cried. Big, ugly, pregnant, mad, confused, crying. I think David even cried, too. We just sat in our car all during Sunday school and finally got ourselves together enough to go to the worship service. And then they sang a song that we had learned on our mission trip to Mexico. A song about how the Lord "gives and takes away - blessed be the name of the Lord." And I almost lost it again.

Moving isn't for wimps! Or pregnant women - if it can be helped.

Yes, we went on to make friends in Alabaster. Last week, I even shared how I eventually got to lead a ladies' Bible study there which I truly enjoyed. But first, we grieved.

This past week, a virtual friend of mine (we've never actually met, but I feel like I know her) wrote a post on this very subject. I hope you'll click over and read it. It touched my heart, and I pray it will touch yours, too. You can read it here.

So go ahead and grieve. Get it out. Cry those ugly tears. And then keep moving forward. Make new friends. I promise, it really is possible.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Dear 20-Year-Old Me

2012-02-09T19:16:00.000-06:00

This year will live in your memory as a very fun year. In January, you will finally meet The One - your future husband. And yes, you will hear God tell you that it's him! But here's a hint: He's talking about the other guy in the car, not the one you think. (To be fair, they both drive almost identical cars. Is it any wonder your dream car was a blue Mustang??)

Nevertheless, following around that wrong guy for a couple of years will lead you in some very right directions, spiritually, so it's not a bad thing at all. And meanwhile, you'll become good friends with The One which will eventually make for a solid marriage. (Thankfully, The One will laugh at your crush on other guy instead of being upset. In fact, other guy will be a groomsman in your wedding!)

You were right to change your major. Sure, chemical engineering sounds impressive and has a great salary to go with it, but it's not right for you. Although you can't even imagine it now, you will someday want to be a stay-at-home Mom - a homeschooler, even! (Don't worry. It's a lot more mainstream now than it used to be.) - and that math degree will allow you to do just that.

This Summer, you're going to date a really cute guy. (No, not other guy. He's already found his One. And no, not The One - although he's super cute, too. It's not quite time for that.)

No, he's not really proposing. Guess who set up this pose?? (Hi, Mom!)

Prepare yourself - this one is a Yankee! ;) He's not The One and it won't last much past Christmas, but it will make for a really fun Summer and several trips to Indiana this Fall, rooming with random girls in his dorm and meeting his family. He will be the reason you first learn to e-mail, and it will be a very tedious process in 1994. However, once again thanks to computers (that get WAY easier to use), you'll still be in touch with him 18 years later. (I know. It boggles the mind, doesn't it?) Going to Seattle this Summer might seem sort of strange - and in fact, it will be the one and only year that Campus Crusade holds a Summer Project in Seattle - but it's preparing you to live there for several years in the not-too-distant future. (If you get a chance to try teriyaki chicken while you're there, please do. Yum-O!)

I hope you enjoyed that undefeated football season last year. It'll be a while before that happens again, but - brace yourself - we will eventually be the National Champions!

So enjoy this year at Auburn because, win or lose, it really is great to be an Auburn Tiger! War Eagle!

P.S. Repeat after me: "My socks do NOT have to match my Duck Head shorts."

For others in this series, click here.

This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Corn Chip Chili Pie

2012-02-07T16:05:00.000-06:00

The original recipe can be found in the Southern Living Ultimate Quick and Easy Cookbook. The recipe found there involves doing everything in the microwave. Here's how I make it:

Corn Chip Chili Pie
Serves 4 adults

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (11-ounce) can sweet whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (2 1/4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives (I use the chopped ones so they are more hidden.)
1 (1.25-ounce) chili seasoning
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (can use sharp Cheddar or a Mexican blend)
1 cup coarsely crushed corn chips (or just use them whole)

Brown the meat along with the onion; drain. Combine with the beans, corn, tomato sauce, olives, and chili seasoning in a large bowl. Pour into a 9x13 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for around 20 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle corn chips and cheese over the top, and return to oven until cheese is melted.

Note: this was made with reduced fat cheese. I don't recommend doing that.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Bloomin' Monday: Get Out There!

2012-02-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

unknown source

So far in this Bloomin' Monday series (How to Make the Most of Moving to a New Town), we've talked about how to make friends before you even get there, and meeting the new neighbors. Today, we're moving beyond the neighborhood.

As I have mentioned before, one of the best ways to meet new people is to find groups who share common interests/careers/stages of life with you. My stage of life currently is Mom of young children. When we first moved to our current city, I quickly made acquaintances through 3 sources: a local playgroup, a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, and one of the moms in my son's preschool classroom. (If you are also a Mom of young children, I cannot say enough great things about MOPS. You can find a group in your area here.)

Another place where I have found great friendships is through the churches we have been a part of in each town. (I know that all of you reading this may not be religious, but the general ideas that follow can still apply with other groups.) After seeking the Lord and what church He would have you to join, I highly recommend checking out any of the following that exist in your church:

1. Home Groups: There is something particularly bonding about meeting together in someone's home. Without the formality that still tends to exist in most church classes, people tend to share more of their hearts, and friendships more quickly develop. One of our favorite memories of our first home in Montgomery, AL, is of our home group. Thanks to Facebook, we are still in contact with the leaders of that little group 12 years later. (Hi, Candyce!)

2. Bible Studies: Sunday school (or whatever it's called at your church) attendance is vital if you want to really become involved with your new church. However, I'm talking more specifically about Bible studies that meet sometime other than Sunday morning. I have enjoyed so many of these through the years and was blessed with the opportunity to lead one when we lived in Alabaster, AL. (Hi, Laura and Kristi!)

3. Mission trips: Should you go on a mission trip just to meet people? Of course not. BUT it is an incredible way to get to know people on a level that you otherwise may never reach. Although we had been involved in home group, Bible studies, etc. for about a year when we lived in Knoxville, we truly felt most connected to our church after participating in a mission trip to Mexico.

The point is this: attending group functions will allow you to get out of the house (especially important if you're a stay-at-home Mom) and meet some new people. But to really make new friends, you're going to have to go beyond the superficial. Invite one person or a couple of people to lunch after the group meeting. Invite another Mom to bring her husband and kids over for supper one night. You get the idea.

After moving 13 times since getting married - 7 of which involved brand new towns - I have concluded that it takes about a year to really feel like you "belong" somewhere. If you have made the effort to really get to know people during that time, the second year and beyond can be great! (Admittedly, I have limited experience on the second year and beyond, but I'm currently enjoying being at 2 1/2 years here.)

It does take some effort, but it is worth it if you want to truly Bloom Where You're Planted!

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Menu Plan Monday: Week of February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T08:19:00.000-06:00

We've got a pretty busy week ahead of us, but here's the general plan (as usual, WW+ point per serving in parentheses):

Monday - Lighter Chicken Macaroni Casserole (10)

Tuesday - Shrimp and Tortellini (10)

Wednesday - Church supper

Thursday - Baked tilapia (5), macaroni and cheese (7 - I usually just have 1/2 a serving), and sweet potatoes (4)

Friday - Lime Chicken and Black Bean Burritos (5 each when using fat free cheese)

Optional substitution: Chicken Spaghetti (9)

Bon appetit! What's for supper at your house?

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Weekend Links

2012-02-04T09:12:00.000-06:00

I found some great stuff around the 'net this week!

How to Convert AAA Batteries into AA Batteries Who knew??

A Day in the Life of one of my favorite bloggers (I'm considering trying out something she mentioned.)

1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7 for Children (and Mamas)

The Glory of Mundane Tasks (goes along with the Good Morning Girls Ephesians Bible study that I am currently doing and loving!)

28 Days of Hope for Your Home (Starts out VERY slowly, but apparently that's exactly what I need....)

Loving Living Math (There are some great ideas in here.)

So what did you find this week?

* Post contains affiliate links.
This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Dear 18-Year-Old Me

2012-02-03T19:16:00.000-06:00

Not surprisingly, you're in love again - or at least in the throes of a huge crush. (See, I told you that you would survive breaking up with J!) This one seems to have a lot going for him: extra cute, great singer, big dreams, ... and he thinks you're pretty great, too!

Is that a bare shoulder I see? If only I'd had the guts to go knee-length on this one. Not sure Dad would have approved, though.

I wish I could tell you he's The One (your mother wanted him to be The One, too), but he's not. There are some more really painful lessons to learn about a year from now, but until then, enjoy the excitement! Besides, because of him, you're about to go on a great adventure, traveling all across the country and to Bulgaria! (That won't sound so great at first when you find out he gets to go to Ireland, but trust me, you're in just the right place.)

The sights, sounds, memories, and experiences of this coming Summer with Celebrant Singers will stay with you forever. I'm thrilled to tell you that you will still be in touch with most of your group 20 years from now. (Through the computer again ... it's truly amazing what they can do now.)

Yes, Auburn is the right choice for you. Don't keep agonizing about it. It will suit your personality and educational needs, you'll make wonderful friends, be a part of a great church, and you'll finally meet The One while you're there! Go ahead and join the Auburn Singers, but don't expect it to be your source of friendships and connections. There is a vast chasm between those on stage and you on the piano bench. But that's okay. You'll get a wonderful trip to Europe out of the deal.

Speaking of Europe, enjoy that trip to Austria this December! Stick with your friend Geanni, and you'll stay out of trouble. Just trust me.

You're about to end one chapter of your life and begin another. It's exciting! Enjoy this time!

Like this series? You can read the others here.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

2012 Goals: Monthly Checkup - Part 2

2012-02-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago, I posted how my first 3 goals were going. Verdict: mixed results. I'm happy to report more progress on the remaining two.

Priority #4: Kaplan (where I teach math online)

One part of this goal was to be more focused on my tasks so that it didn't take up so much of my time. For the most part, I've been successful with this. Of course, it helps that I'm just teaching one class this term. I've also improved a great deal on student outreach and cleaning out an overwhelming e-mail inbox. I still need to do a bit more to adequately prepare some discussion board posts for classes that I teach frequently. (This would help with the "not taking up as much of my time" goal, too, in future terms.)

Priority #5: Personal growth (Remember that these were in no particular order - just as I thought of them the day I made my goal list.)

Read more: Success

Since the middle of December, I have read Grace for the Good Girl (highly recommend!), Hope for the Weary Mom, Eat That Frog!, and The Five Love Languages of Children. I just recently started Captivating.

Make more friends: Success in progress.

I have ventured out into some new-ish territory at our church by attending Women's events and Bible studies and am happily making some new connections and friendships. Also, next week we go for the orientation meeting for our new homeschool group followed by a roller skating party at the end of the week. (You might want to add that to your prayer calendar....)

Blog regularly: Um, yes. :)

Pursue an interest: Success, maybe?

I'm not sure what interest I actually want to pursue, but I am getting the opportunity to write an article for The Old Schoolhouse magazine about online learning. We'll see where that leads!

So that's The State of the Mama at the end of the first month of the year. Here's hoping for more progress by March 1st!

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

2012 Goals: Monthly Checkup - Part 1

2012-02-01T08:42:00.002-06:00

At the beginning of the year, I posted about my goals for 2012. You can see them here. Since it's the beginning of February, I thought this would be a good time to do a goals "check-up."

Priority 1: Have a more welcoming home.

This one is actually going the worst, I'm afraid. I started out pretty strong, but quickly fizzled, especially in the "develop a reasonable home-keeping schedule" department. Beginning today (February 1st), I'm going to try something new. It starts out VERY SLOWLY. In fact, my first thought was, "Even I am more organized than this." But then I looked around my house and realized that, no, I'm really not.

One blog that I enjoy reading is A Slob Comes Clean, and she has recently published a new e-book called 28 Days to Hope for Your Home. For the month of February it's on sale for $4.00 (50% off the regular price of $7.99). Want to join me?

Now moving on to better news....

Priority 2: Improve my health and well-being.

As of this morning, I have lost 5 pounds. (For me, the most exciting part was that the middle number of my weight is now back to what it was a year ago. I'm in a new weight decade!) Verdict: Weight Watchers does work, but it can be excruciatingly slow. This should have come as no surprise to me. Five years ago (has it really been that long?), I lost 26 pounds on WW, but it took me 8 months. I got pregnant 3.4 days later...

Other parts of this goal were to exercise regularly (nothing happening here yet - and yes, I see the connection to the above paragraph, but 5 years ago I WAS exercising regularly and still had those results), visit the doctor and dentist on a regular basis (doctor appointment made for March; still too chicken about the dentist), and go to bed/get out of bed earlier (progress being made on the bedtime end).

Priority 3: Continue to improve in homeschooling.

I'm happy to say that I am back to more detailed planning of our weekly schedule. I'm hoping to extend that to a monthly schedule soon. Megan is becoming more involved, but there's still work to be done here. I have ordered Nathan's math books for next year (since he'll be finished with the Kindergarten ones in a couple of weeks), but I'm still pondering what to use for Phonics/Reading/Spelling. Anyone have any experience with The Phonics Road?

Well, there are 3 more goals, but this post is already plenty long. If you're still reading, Thank You!! If you want to read about my other goals, you can do that here.

How are your new years' goals going so far? I'd love to hear.

* Post contains an affiliate link.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Dear 16-Year-Old Me

2012-01-31T14:59:00.001-06:00

Dear 16-year-old Laura,

Ah, young love! You're in the thick of it right now, and there's a lot that's really great about it. He has just enough of a wild streak to satisfy that inner rebellion that you keep so well hidden. But he's basically a pretty good guy who never tries to take advantage of you or pressure you.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), he's going to break your heart before the year is over. The two of you will stay friends for a while, but eventually you'll drift back to your group and he'll drift back to his. You'll feel kind of lost for a while, but you'll be fine. In fact, 19 years from now, you'll be in contact with him again through your computer. (I know that probably boggles your mind, but computers will be MUCH different. Not a DOS prompt in sight! Tip: buy stock in Apple and Microsoft.)

Warning: he will break your heart again when you're 22. But it won't take nearly as long, and it will have an unexpected, very positive, result. That experience at 22 will cause you to have a much greater appreciation for the man who will become your husband.

But enough about that.

I'm tempted to tell you that you should dress differently - not feel like you have to stay hidden all the time. But truthfully, dressing so modestly is probably keeping you out of some trouble and away from some people with less-than-honorable motives. I guess I just wish you could have more confidence, even under all of those clothes. You are more than just a brain! You have a cute figure and a great sense of humor, but only a few people get to ever see glimpses of either. Your future husband will recognize both of these qualities and know how to appreciate them. :)

Twenty-two years from now, you'll be amazed at how some people have changed (and be even more amazed that you are still in contact with them!). Some of your high school classmates have developed a real spiritual depth, and it's a shame that they either don't have that, or aren't willing to show that, at 16. Sadly, some others will just be worse versions of their 16-year-old selves. I won't spoil it for you, but I think you'll be surprised who matures and who doesn't.

So enjoy your first love. It won't last forever, but it will be great for a while, and you will survive the aftermath.

P.S. Remember that Senior you had a crush on last year? Even at 38 you still won't have the guts to contact him ... but that's definitely for the best. :)

P.P.S. See? I was right about the acne getting much better. :) And girl, you are rockin' the big hair! (Enjoy that, too, while it lasts.)

If you are at all curious, you can read other letters to my younger self here.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Bloomin' Monday: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

2012-01-30T09:04:00.000-06:00

So you've arrived in your new town, the boxes are off of the moving truck and scattered throughout your house or apartment, and you're about to make your first of many trips to the grocery store. I'm sure the list is a mile long, but I would suggest adding one more thing: brownies (homemade, from a box - it doesn't matter!).

http://www.myhomecooking.net/brownies/

It was our 6th move and first ever home purchase. We were so excited to be moving to Knoxville, TN, and into our very own house! Living in Jacksonville, FL had been less than wonderful (more on that later), so it was great to be getting a fresh start. But of course, we didn't know anyone but our real estate agent in our new town.

As David was unloading the U-Haul in the Summer heat, our next-door neighbor, Rose, showed up with a lovely plate of brownies. It was so appreciated and turned out to be the start of a wonderful friendship that still continues (Hi, Rose!). Right away, we felt welcome in the neighborhood and like we had at least one person we could go to with questions or in case of an emergency.

Sadly, Rose's actions are extremely rare. Only one other time (at our first place here in Fort Smith) has anyone come to meet us from our new neighborhood. Nevertheless, we decided to carry on the brownie tradition each time we have moved. Some people will be very appreciative, others will be embarrassed that they didn't bring you brownies first, and one or two may look at you like you've lost your mind. But please take that first step. It's a great way to break the ice!

If you're not about to move anytime soon, still keep a box of brownies in your pantry. Then, when you see a moving truck arrive on your street, you'll be ready!

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie, Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family, Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary

Menu Plan Monday - Week of January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T08:58:00.000-06:00

Here's the plan! (WW points plus in parentheses)

Monday: Skinny Chicken Enchiladas - found on Pinterest (4 per enchilada)

Tuesday: Corn Chip Chili Pie (10)

Wednesday: Supper at church

Thursday: Sweet Asian Chicken - already in the freezer! (11)

Friday: Provencale Chicken Supper - crockpot meal (7), cornbread

Optional: King Ranch Chicken Casserole - already in the freezer! (7)

What's for dinner at your house?

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Dear 12-Year-Old Me

2012-01-29T16:16:00.000-06:00

I've been mentioning doing this on Facebook for a few days, and trying to get up the nerve to hit "publish." I apologize if this is a bit self-serving. I've just been thinking about a lot of past events lately (not sure why) and decided to work through them with a different perspective and a bit of humor. I think it has a lot to do with seeing how fast my own children are growing and realizing that they will be facing these same growing pains before long.

Some of you will remember these times first-hand while others of you will have no idea what I'm talking about. However, I think most of these experiences are pretty universal, so maybe it will help someone else. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. Also, I'd love to hear what you'd say to your 12-year-old self, too. :)

So here goes....

Me (right) and my best friend, Jennifer. The above picture is actually at age 13, I think, when things are beginning to improve. Apparently, I have successfully deleted all photographic proof of 3rd - 6th grades.

Dear 12-year-old Laura,

Boy, things just aren't very fun right now. It's not easy having terrible acne during the years BEFORE anyone else does. And why on earth did you get assigned PE 1st period?? Because acne + PE first thing in the morning + moving up to junior high = a 6th-grade fate worse than death!

I wish I could tell you that the acne will disappear soon and it will be gone forever. It won't. Twenty-six years from now you'll still get the occasional zit ... along with wrinkles. But it WILL get tremendously better. In fact, as early as 7th grade, things will begin to improve. Yes, you'll get braces, but so will everyone else, so it will seem cool. (And thankfully, you'll only have to wear the head gear at night for part of the time.)

In the meantime, you do have some really fun friends in Jennifer (above), Lori, Heather, etc. Enjoy laughing with them! (But do not - I repeat, DO NOT - let them give you a perm in 8th grade at a spend-the-night party! Thankfully, it won't really "take," but still....)

Go ahead and start shaving your legs. Your mother either hasn't noticed or is in denial that you are growing up, but trust me, it's time.

And those two boys that you and Jennifer are so crazy about? NOT the answer to lifelong happiness. Trust me.

You know your friend, Ben - the one who sent you roses to school? (What? That hasn't happened yet? Well, it will next year then.) Be nice to him. He's going to be a great friend for a long time to come. No, he's not The One. But give him more of a chance. I can pretty much guarantee he'd never break your heart.

So hang in there. This really is the worst it will get (at least through 38 ... can't speak about the years beyond that yet). Next year, you will start to come into your own, and each year will be a little better than the one before.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Weekend Links

2012-01-28T09:16:00.000-06:00

I don't have quite as many links to share this week, but they're great ones, nonetheless.

What a Parent Wants to Say Before a Child Leaves by Ann Voskamp (grab a Kleenex first)

When You're Not Good Enough (sobering but important reminder)

Reflections of a Homeschool Mom (written by a friend of mine)

Top 10 Ways to Annoy a Gifted Child (or maybe just any child?)

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

With This Ring, I ... Remember

2012-01-27T11:57:00.000-06:00

Several times lately, Megan has asked about the 3 rings that I wear on my left-hand "ring finger," and I love to tell her all about them. One is my engagement ring, one is my wedding ring, and one is the 50th anniversary ring that my Granddaddy Pearson gave to my Grannie almost 16 years ago. They represent Megan's heritage on both sides of her family, and we invariably both get to dreaming about the wedding she will hopefully have someday.

They are beautiful rings, and I am truly blessed to have each one of them. To me, they represent...

...a promise requested.

The diamond in my engagement ring belonged to David's grandmother. Although not his biological grandfather, the man who bought it loved David and the rest of his family as his very own. David likes to tell me how his grandfather had to paint lots of houses to make enough money to afford it. It's a beautiful, bright, round solitaire - just exactly what I would have picked out for myself.

I loved being engaged. In many ways, it was a pressure-free time (at least until the wedding plans were in full force) - the decision had been made, no more "he loves me, he loves me not" thinking, and none of the coming pressures of married life. Like the ring itself, it was a time filled with flashy demonstrative gestures and declarations of love.

... a promise made.

My wedding band is barely visible between the other two rings, but it's the most important one. I think it's appropriate for wedding rings to be simple, ordinary bands of gold. Yes, it represents a never-ending circle, yada-yada-yada. But that's not what I mean.

Marriage is about loving each other during the ordinary times.

It's him loving her through dark emotional times, difficult recoveries from childbirth, and children demanding her time and energy. It's his hugs and pep talks at 2AM. It's him unclogging the toilet for the 4th time that week (while muttering things about the stupid government and its regulations...).

It's her loving him through surgeries and recoveries, going to school, and dealing with certification tests. It's her willingness to move anywhere to do what is best for him and their family. It's her telling him it will all be OK when he's struggling with discouragement.

... a promise kept.

When my Grannie died this past Summer, I had the privilege of choosing first from the 3 diamond rings that she wanted to go to her 3 granddaughters. The other two are beautiful solitaire rings, but I knew that I wanted this one before I even realized its significance. The 5 diamonds represent the 5 decades of their marriage (Granddaddy died about a year and a half later), and I sometimes look at it and realize that, after 13 years, we are not quite halfway across that second diamond in our own marriage.

This ring represents the rewards that they reaped from a lifetime together - emotional, spiritual, and yes, material. Their love had literally multiplied through children, grandchildren, and (although not during Granddaddy's lifetime) great-grandchildren. Life wasn't always easy for them. And since they were human, I'm SURE that the thought of leaving flickered through their minds from time to time. But they never allowed themselves to go down that path. They left a legacy of keeping the promise that they had made.

So with these rings, I remember: the love that requested the promise, the hope that made the promise, and the faith that keeps the promise.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Bloomin' Monday : Before You Move

2012-01-23T11:04:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the first (official) installment of Bloomin' Monday - making the most of moving to a new town! (For an introduction to this series, read here.)

Thanks to the Internet, it's amazing how much you can do before even arriving in a new place. Yes, you can do things like arrange for the utilities to be turned on, have your mail forwarded, get a new local phone number (although fewer and fewer people are actually doing this, thanks to cell phones with no regard for long distance numbers). But you can also meet people!

Back in 2009, I wrote a post about how I met my friend Lora through Facebook. She was an invaluable resource for us before and in the days and months after we moved to Fort Smith. Through her, we found a place to live, a preschool for Nathan (before we started homeschooling), and a great babysitter (a MUST for living this far away from the grandparents!). You can read more about the Lora story here. (She's also got a wonderful blog that I recommend - tons of yummy recipes and great homeschooling resources.)

Before we moved here, I was able to get connected to a playgroup with lots of other Moms of preschoolers. I applied to the group online and was put on the waiting list for a short time, but did have some contact with the group leader. As it turns out, she was a student in my first Algebra class at the college here in town! (She was/is a great student - which was a relief since it would have been extremely awkward to fail her and then see each other at play dates! Ha!) Anyway, I got in the group shortly after we arrived, and we were able to start meeting other Moms and other kids right away.

So if you are going to be moving soon, get online and see what all you can find! Search for people from your new town on Facebook and send a message. Look up groups involving interests that you have (play groups, cooking classes, book clubs, etc.). When we lived in Seattle, we joined the local Auburn Club to watch football games in the Fall, so don't forget alumni or career-related groups, also. You can learn a lot about churches from their websites, so it's never too early to begin checking out possibilities there, too.

To me, there's just something about doing research on a place *before* I get there that makes me feel so much more comfortable once the move actually takes place. True, it's not the same as really being there, but it's a good way to begin the acclimation process while you're still in familiar surroundings.

If you've already moved but haven't yet gotten plugged in to a group of friends, it's not too late to do these same things. Even if you have lived in the same place for 20 years, you can STILL Bloom Where You're Planted!

Next week: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie, Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family, Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary

Menu Plan Monday - Week of January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T08:12:00.000-06:00

This week, I'm planning to try a couple of new recipes I found from last week's Menu Plan Monday on orgjunkie.com. (I really recommend checking out the many blogs that link up there each week!) There are also a couple of meals that we didn't get to last week, so they are reappearing in the line-up for this week.

Tentative Schedule (WW Plus Points in parentheses):

Monday: Lime Chicken and Black Bean Burritos (10)

Tuesday: Crockpot Sesame Chicken with Rice (13)

Wednesday: Church night

Thursday: Breakfast casserole (7), crescent rolls (3), and baked apples (2)

Friday: Stromboli (12)

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Weekend Links

2012-01-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

It's that time again! I read so many great things around the web this week. Here are some highlights:

Cleaning the bathroom like a pro (Oh, how I need to put this into practice!)

Fun kitchen printables (Ha!)

Meal Planning using Google Calendars (I think I'm going to try a variation of this. If it works well, I'll let you know.)

Press-and-Seal Fridge Shelves (Genius!)

Washing your face with oil (I did this a few years ago and loved the results. Not sure why I ever stopped. I'm going to start again.)

7 Ways to Adore Your Husband

7 Lies About Homeschoolers (Hilarious! And true.)

7 Ways to Practice Imperfect Hospitality

To the mother with only one child (Not what you're thinking. Great post.)

Sometimes the only way to read our kids is by braille. (I LOVE The Gypsy Mama. She hits another home run with this one.)

So what did you discover online this past week?

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Vivid

2012-01-20T09:06:00.001-06:00

I'm trying something new today. Each Friday on The Gypsy Mama, she has 5 Minute Friday. She gives us a word, and we are supposed to just write for 5 minutes - unedited, unplanned, and uncensored. Here we go....

Vivid.

For some reason, I always associate this word with memories. As in, "I have such vivid memories of ...". Sadly, it seems the most vivid memories are unpleasant ones. I remember vividly seeing my Grannie weeping beside my Granddaddy's casket. I have a vivid memory of painful times in my past - times of embarrassment or discouragement.

Other memories that I wish I held in greater clarity seem to be more fuzzy. I wish I could remember exactly how my children sounded in their first cries. I wish I could remember every word of David's marriage proposal.

I sometimes find myself going to ridiculous lengths to preserve certain memories. My text message inbox is always at 90% or higher because I can't bear to part with a message in which David says that he loves me. My voice mailbox contains many recordings of my parents' voices, David's voice, and the last message that Grannie left for me. I know that someday I won't be able to hear the voices of my parents in person, and I think I will want to hear them somehow. It's morbid, I know. But that's the truth.

I want my kids to have vivid *positive* memories. Is that possible? I want them to remember vividly picnics and times baking goodies in the kitchen. I want them to hear my voice ringing in their ears with words of love, encouragement, and faith. I want them to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are loved by the Lord and their parents. I want that love to be vivid in their hearts.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Shrimp and Tortellini

2012-01-18T17:11:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not, this was a hit with both my son and my husband!

Recipe works best with a lovely assistant.

Shrimp and Tortellini
4 servings
WW points plus: 10 per serving

1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
3/4 pound peeled, medium-sized fresh shrimp (I used the frozen ones that are already cooked, deveined, with tail off.)
1 shallot, minced (I just used half of a regular onion.)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted (I used 1/8 cup to get 10 WW points.)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, cook shrimp, shallot, and chopped basil in butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink.

Add tortellini and Parmesan cheese; toss gently. (Lesson I learned: timing is crucial. This is best if the pasta, shrimp, and cheese are combined right before it is served. Otherwise, it gets a little gummy.)

Like many of my favorite recipes, this one comes from Southern Living Ultimate Quick & Easy Cookbook.

My Favorite Apps - Part 2

2012-01-17T11:12:00.001-06:00

Image from img.skitch.com

One of the main reasons I began wanting an iPad (or similar tablet) was because of the many educational apps that were being used by other homeschool moms and school teachers. I had hoped that, at the very least, they would provide an educational diversion for Megan while I was working with Nathan, and vice-versa. It has far exceeded my expectations!

Truthfully, I use the iPad more than anyone. Last week, I wrote about some of my favorite apps that I use personally. You can read about those here. Today I'll focus on the ones that Nathan (age 5 - Kindergarten) uses most frequently.

Geography:

Stack the States
Stack the Countries
Nathan and David love to play both of these together in the evenings. Megan even gets in on the action!
Google Earth
We love "flying" to the different countries that we study and being able to "visit" key landmarks.

Math:

Nathan is in Kindergarten this year, so most of these focus on basic addition and subtraction.
Math Bingo
He loves to play with the Bingo Bugs when he completes a round.
K12 Counting Coins
K12 Counting Bills & Coins
Math Fact Blaster (very basic "flash card" type of app)
Math Garden
This is a fun way to build speed on the basic facts of addition and subtraction.
Motion Math Hungry Fish
Motion Math Zoom (great for learning about the number line)

Astronomy:

NASA
This is a beautiful app with lots of information, NASA TV, videos of launches, etc.
GoSkyWatch
Hold the iPad over your head and the app will tell you what stars, constellations, etc. are located above you (or on the other side of the Earth you if you hold it down).

Phonics:

Word Bingo (same premise and company as Math Bingo above)
Sound Sorting (grouping words by beginning consonant)
Tic Tac Toe Phonics
Simplex Spelling
Montessori Crosswords

Other:

King's Apps Telling Time (basic, but effective)
Build a Train
Nathan LOVES this one. You create your own train, choose a track, and watch it run while you make different sounds, toggle the track switches, and adjust the speed.
Trainyard EX
This one involves using logic to lay out the track that will get the train(s) from the start house to the destination, going around obstacles and avoiding other trains.
Creationary
This one is by Lego and involves spatial reasoning.
Simon Says
Still a classic. :)

We have others, but these are the ones that he either chooses or I assign for him to do in order to work on a specific skill that we are building. The vast majority I got for free. Most others have a Lite version that you can try out before deciding whether or not to pay for the full version. (I have quite a few more on my AppShopper Wish List, and I'm waiting for the price to drop.)

These are all iOS apps, and most can also be used on the iPhone or iPod as well as the iPad. My guess is that most have counterparts for Android tablets and phones.

Got any recommendations for me? I'm always looking for new ones.

Stay tuned for My Favorite Apps - Part 3 (The Megan Edition)!

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie, Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family, Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary

Bloomin' Monday

2012-01-16T08:41:00.000-06:00

Move #10 - August 2008 - 7 months pregnant

You've probably noticed that I've been trying to resurrect this blog during the past couple of weeks. Several people had mentioned that I should start blogging again, so I've been posting periodically. Most of it has been pretty random, though.

I got to thinking about the purpose of the blog. Of course, there are many (communicating ideas, preserving memories, sharing things I've learned or come across, etc.). But the name of the blog, Bloom Where You're Planted, was chosen because I've moved many more times over the past 13 years than most people move in a lifetime, and I've learned (and continue to learn) the hard way how to make the most of those moves - even the ones that weren't planned or wanted (the one in the picture above was not planned and definitely not wanted).

The ideas that I will share are things that I have done myself. Because of that, they relate most directly to a stay-at-home Mom in a new town. But I'm hoping that others will get some ideas as well from reading my experiences. I'm also hoping it will inspire someone who, although not new in a town, still hasn't really put down any roots or made any friends.

So I hope you'll join me each week as we discuss how to truly Bloom Where You're Planted.

Menu Plan Monday

2012-01-16T08:39:00.000-06:00

There are many things in the world of home-making that I do NOT do well (vacuuming, ironing, mopping floors, etc.). But one thing I got in the habit of doing several years ago is menu planning. I used to assign a day to each meal, but it so often changed that I eventually stopped doing that. Now, my goal is just to make a list of 5-6 meals (Wednesdays usually involve supper at church, and weekends usually involve sandwiches). Here's what's on the list for next week (Weight Watchers Plus points in parentheses):

Chili (7)

Breakfast Casserole (7)
Reduced-fat crescent rolls (3)
Fried apples (2)

Stromboli (12) - family favorite, and great for busy nights!

Chicken Spaghetti (9) - from the Pioneer Woman

Sweet Asian Chicken with rice and stir-fry veggies (11)

Shrimp and Tortellini (10)

Baked Tilapia (5), macaroni and cheese (7 for 1/4 of prepared package), sweet potato (4)

I'll try to post more of these recipes along the way so I can include links when they show up again. :)

So what's for supper at your house?

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie, Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family, Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama

Today I cried in the middle of Subway.

2012-01-14T16:44:00.002-06:00

I had been feeling "down" for a while now, not quite sure why. The kids were driving me extra crazy, I couldn't seem to do anything right, and in spite of diligently counting points, the scale just wasn't cooperating. More than that, I felt invisible, unappreciated, and unsuccessful.

For some reason, in the middle of Subway I realized the problem.

My love language is Words of Affirmation (with physical touch coming in a close second). I absolutely thrive on words of encouragement and appreciation. In fact, I realized while blubbering in the Subway bathroom that many of my decisions have been based on something someone other than my parents said to me. (Mom and Dad give me encouragement all the time, and I'm extremely grateful for it, but there's just something about hearing it from someone who doesn't "have to" love you. Know what I mean?) This isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's how God has wired me, and I believe He has used this to lead me.

Statement: "You're a great writer. You really should start a blog."
Result: trying to resurrect this blog.

Statement: "You should teach college math."
Result: went to Georgia Tech for an MS instead of staying at Auburn for an M.Ed.

Statement: "You've got great legs."
Result: walking down the aisle in a white dress and saying "I do." :) (OK, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but he did say it, it did change my life, and it's why you won't see me wearing pants to church unless there's a foot of snow on the ground.)

I do a lot of invisible jobs these days, and they are sorely lacking in words of affirmation. Home school teacher - no verbal affirmation except when we are doing something really fun. Mama - mostly I hear whining and arguing and complaining about anything healthier than a corn dog. Online teacher - I do get occasional positive feedback here, and it makes my day when it happens, but mostly it's just questions. Blogger - I have a grand total of 12 followers, and three of those are my mother, my sister, and me.

If you don't speak this love language, this whole post will probably just sound needy, silly, whiny, or even snobby. Why should I need to hear someone say that I'm doing a good job? Because it's like the air that I breathe. Without it, I start feeling completely empty and defeated. Others of you feel this way about spending time with someone or getting regular hugs. Others feel most loved when someone does some act of service. Still others of you feel most loved when someone gives you a gift.

My husband is actually very well suited to meet this need of mine because he gives awesome pep talks. He is the reason I survived grad school. He gave the most wonderful rehearsal dinner speech I have ever heard - it was two sentences I think, but it was exactly the right thing to say. But he realized today that he had forgotten this about me. We have gotten so busy being parents that we haven't been spending as much time together as we should. As a result, neither of us is feeling particularly loved.

I'm so thankful that the Lord speaks this love language, too. I asked Him for some words of affirmation today, and this is what He brought to mind:

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14 He likes how I look!

He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. Song of Solomon 2:4 He loves me!

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 He created me with this need for acknowledgment, and He has promised its fulfillment when I seek to honor Him.

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10: 30 He notices me! I am not invisible to Him.

By the way, he speaks every love language. Just ask Him to speak to you in your language and see what happens. He wants to show you how much you are loved.

I know without a doubt that there are some needs in our hearts that can only be met by the Lord, and it is painful for all involved when we try to get those needs met in other ways. However, I do believe that the Lord does expect husbands and wives (and friends and family) to understand and seek to meet those needs that we ARE designed to meet. Are you feeling unloved by your husband? Does he know that? Does he know what he might could change? Is your husband feeling unloved by you, even though you may be doing or saying everything that says love to you? Make sure you're speaking his language.

Not sure what I'm talking about? Check out this book.

I just bought The 5 Love Languages for Children. I want to make sure I speak their language, too. Naturally, I give them words of affirmation all the time, but is that what speaks love to them? I need to know this.

So today, I cried in the middle of Subway. And it's one of the best things I've done in quite a while.

Disclaimer: This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties. Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie, Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family, Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary
Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Weekend Links

2012-01-14T09:24:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things on other blogs is when they post links to interesting articles they have found during the week. On the hope that you might enjoy the same thing, here are some of my favorites from this week.

Don't Carpe Diem

This one is showing up everywhere, but I just love it. It really speaks to me in my current stage of motherhood.
Note: if the link isn't working, copy this into your browser http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/04/2011-lesson-2-dont-carpe-diem/

1800s High Tea Birthday Party

I SOOOO want to do this! Anybody with me? It doesn't have to be a birthday party.

Pantry Re-Do

Gorgeous! My pantry isn't at all like this, but it's beautiful inspiration anyway.

You Never Marry the Right Person

“Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it. God’s saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us.”