Dec 31, 2011

First "Weekly Menu" of 2012

Happy New Year's Eve! Many people are planning on staying up late to see the New Year roll in at 12am as well as attending parties and setting their New Year resolutions.

Dec 30, 2011

Goals for the New Year

Happy New Year 2012

In my experience, a year always appears to have "flown" by when reflecting on it at the Eve of a New Year. There are often fond memories, some memories we'd rather forget, and areas we wish to apply effort to improve or grow to reach a fuller potential.

Dec 26, 2011

The Day After Christmas

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas Day yesterday! Here are a few pictures of our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.


Casey reading to us about the first Christmas. Sean has his Bible out too!

Dec 24, 2011

Christmas Eve in the Reeves' Home

Welcome into our home to catch a peak at our Christmas Eve (just don't open any closet doors okay?).

Dec 21, 2011

Christmas Goodies

The Christmas season (and most every holiday we celebrate) brings the tradition of having sweet treats to indulge in. This year I opted to keep it simple but still sweet with only two treats (outside of Jesus' birthday cake we'll have with our Christmas celebration meal on Sunday).

The two treats I chose are peanut butter fudge and peanut butter cookies.

Dec 16, 2011

A Merry Retail Christmas

Where does the time keep going? We are down to nine short days before Christmas! Casey and I were talking today about how working in retail has sort of warped our perspective of the holidays. It has and in more ways than one.

Dec 6, 2011

Weekly Menu 12/5 - 12/11

Our family has had company since Sunday evening and I've been just too busy to get on here to share my menu for the week! The kids are really enjoying their "Mimi and Papa" playing with them and spoiling them.

Dec 3, 2011

This Time Last Year

Welcome to December's edition of "This Time Last Year." I love saving this post for when I'm real busy and simply can't think straight to decide on something to write about.

Nov 28, 2011

Homemade Tuna Casserole

Hi all! I've been busy the last few days trying to catch up on some housework since I worked so much last week. My schedule was so weird last week that I have spent the weekend in a sort of fog. I would work some shifts as early as 6am and other shifts I stayed at work as late as 11:30pm and 12:15am. I am looking forward to a more set morning shift which will make my life so much more smooth as well as routine. I thrive on routine. Also, I thrive on sleep! Young children just don't have an understanding of why Mama might need to sleep later than usual!

Nov 25, 2011

Thanksgiving Pictures

Yesterday was a day to focus on being thankful for what we have. It was also a day to spend hours
in the kitchen cooking a huge meal.

Nov 18, 2011

Thanksgiving Traditions

A quick trot down memory lane... Casey and I have been married for over six years now. But, this will be our eighth Thanksgiving together! Our first was while we were dating and in college and we even got to enjoy a college kitchen version of a Thanksgiving feast. Even though it was my first holiday away from my parents, I had a really enjoyable time.

Nov 16, 2011

Homemade Burgers

Good morning! I wanted to share with you about my dinner last night. Remember from yesterday I was planning to prepare gluten free buns, cheese burgers, oven fries, and green beans. It took a lot of preparation to make this meal so by the time it was complete I plopped down to eat without a second thought to taking a picture. Sorry!

Nov 15, 2011

What Day is it Again?

Before I could start writing today I had to check to even see what day it is! I go by events of the day more often than actual days of the week. It isn't the most efficient system but that's how I roll these days. Yesterday was a "work" day. Today isn't. Okay, that makes me laugh (in a ha...ha...ha...sort of way). My non-work day is just as busy. The only real difference is I don't get paid to do what I do here at home. In a way, it is actually better to do the "free" work. I feel a sense of ease here at home ("House work done incorrectly still blesses your family" ~ The Flylady) but I stress more at work getting it "just right" since I am being paid. I prefer stress free living.

Nov 12, 2011

Saturday in Review

Wow. I am just checking my clock and see its already past my bedtime but here I am. Typing. Anyway, Casey is at Applebees watching the Oregon Ducks football game so I have to wait up until he comes home. You know. Its far too practical to go to bed while its quiet and all.

Nov 7, 2011

This Time Last Year


This morning I began an attempt at what some even call the "key" to success which is getting an extremely early start to the day.

Nov 5, 2011

Time to Fall Back


Its that time of the year! Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour tonight before you go to bed so you aren't late to church tomorrow!

Nov 1, 2011

Thanksgiving Menu



Happy 1st of November! I thought I might pick today to share with you my Thanksgiving menu plan.

Oct 31, 2011

Taking a Stand

Our family in October 2010.


Today is Halloween. You probably know that though if you live in the United States. After all, its one of the most popular holidays in this country.

Oct 30, 2011

Weekly Menu - 10/31-11/06

I had yesterday off work and we really enjoyed having a full day together as a family. Usually we feel lucky just having an evening all together. It was nice getting to leisurely grocery shop since Casey put the kids to bed so I could shop solo after a fun day of family time. It was relaxing. I picked up a few extra things to stock my pantry. I am attempting to pick up a few items a week that I know I will be needing for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and baking. My pantry is bulging full now though so I may need to get started on some of that baking already. I doubt anyone will complain.

Oct 24, 2011

Oct 22, 2011

Begin Reflecting and Weekly Menu


Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past
 misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~ Charles Dickens

Oct 21, 2011

Snickerdoodles

Well, as it turns out fall brings cool weather. This year that didn't happen until mid-October. But, it did arrive. Naturally, our home rapidly grew cooler. I gave in and turned the heat on for the sake of my sleeping little ones. And, what do you know, but the heater didn't work! So the above picture is what I have been wishing for over the last few days. A repair man did show up yesterday but needed a replacement part and said he would be back sometime today to fix it for us.

Oct 17, 2011

No Menu

Happy Monday everyone! This weekend was busy and there were extra activities out of the normal.

Oct 12, 2011

A Matter of Conviction

My heart has been under a great deal of conviction lately. The soft, gentle guidance by the Spirit is teaching me to slowly but surely conform my will to His. He guides me as a father would guide his child.

Oct 9, 2011

Weekly Menu ~ October 10-16


Another Autumn weekend is coming to an end. It is crazy that its close to 80 degrees here in October! But, the weather is still cooler than the stifling heat of the summer.

Oct 7, 2011

Sep 30, 2011

Sour Cream Noodle Bake

My morning was rather stressful and busy. There was work. Then taking over parenting duties from Casey who had to rush out to his job. Then there was some business I had to discuss with the property manager of our community. After the kids got up from nap and I'd had some time to chill out some, I took all three outside to play. We ended up playing at the neighbor's house (their great grandson was visiting) and with all their cool outdoor kid toys.

The best fix for a stressful day is to fix your family a comforting meal that will make everyone smile!

Sep 28, 2011

Sep 23, 2011

Trip to the Farm

Yesterday I had to be up before the crack of dawn (or so it seemed) so I could get ready to go to work. I was scheduled to work from 7am to 11am but I stayed until 12pm because someone called in and I needed the extra $8 minus the taxes. It was Casey's day off work so he and I had an afternoon of activities planned to enjoy our time as a family. After the kids were up from naps and I was sufficiently rested from my morning at work, we drove over and I got the privilege of waiting in line at the DMV to register our car. Once that task was completed we embarked on a trip to visit the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead with our kiddos. The farm is free from Monday through Thursday and we took about 50 cents to feed the animals. A pretty cheap outing!

Sep 19, 2011

Support System

As a mother of three toddlers, I often feel worn out and unappreciated. I can put a lot of effort and thought into a meal only to have it rejected. Or, spend money I really shouldn't have on an outfit for my children only to have them stain it in a few seconds. Or, treating them to a lunch out at a diner only to have them throw a tantrum over not having exactly the meal they desired. Or, pick up toys and sweep only to have the floor cluttered and dirties again before I blink. Sure, this is life. But that doesn't always change how we feel and how we feel often does affect our attitude. And, our attitudes affect the whole family.

Sep 9, 2011

Hello Autumn

This past week has been a roller coaster. Working odd shifts (twice I had to close at work and be back to open the next morning). Less sleep than necessary (and desired). Difficulties in motivation for housework and cooking. Found out that our car needs yet another maintenance fix. Budget stress. And, top it all off with the joys of cleaning up yet another accident from our two year old. Oh, the joys of potty training.

On the bright side, we are really enjoying the sudden switch to fall weather that arrived earlier this week. I've had the windows open and air conditioning off for several days now!

Aug 24, 2011

Entertaining Three Toddlers

Entertaining three toddlers can be a challenge. My three year old son talks to me and tells me what he does and does not wish to do. He often does not wish to do that which he is told and does wish to do what I am not interested in him doing. His ability to communicate with me does not always make things easier. My two year old is in that stage of life where he really doesn't know what it is he wants to do but he usually knows its not what I suggest. Then again, he can throw mighty tantrums when he does repeatedly ask to do a specific thing and I dash his hopes with some other, more practical idea. Even a mother cannot possibly understand everything of what goes on in a toddler's head. And, a one year old is fairly content to go along with whatever the rest of us are doing so long as I do not take whatever item of choice is in her chubby little grip at the moment. "I'm sorry 'Princess,' I didn't know it was a treasure."

Aug 18, 2011

The Joys of Marriage

I wanted to take a step away from my day-to-day motherhood and keeper-of-the-home topics and write about the joys of marriage. Having been married for more than six years now I can say with certainty that there is far more in marriage than just romance and joy.

Aug 13, 2011

Weekly Menu ~ August 14-20


 
Sunday           
B –       Baked oatmeal
L –       Out for lunch after church
D –       Quesadillas, fruit

Aug 5, 2011

Weekly Menu ~ August 7-13

I am sure you have heard this before. But, it really is true! Making a menu before your weekly shopping trip can save you time and money.

Aug 4, 2011

Part-Time Job

This morning is not one of those mornings you generally wish to write about. Gray and rainy weather make for a lazy morning that you really don't want anyone to know about. Sort of like a guilty pleasure. You give in to the sleepy atmosphere and might just forget about those dishes or that shower that probably should have been remembered.

Iced coffee in hand, I settle down for a few moments at the computer. I'd like to have typed 'undisturbed moments' but lets be honest. Who gets undisturbed moments with three kids around?

Jul 22, 2011

Nightmare or Naptime?

In our family, Casey works a full time job and, thus far, I am a full time stay at home mom. Being at home all day with three children certainly has its benefits. For one, I always dreamed about being a stay at home mom when I grew up. After three years on the job I can still say I love being a stay at home mom. However, reality is far from dreamy. Its not all fun and games. Midway through the day I am in need of a break. Unbeknownst to them, my children need a break too.

Jul 15, 2011

Journey to Missouri

Life is constantly changing. People come and go. Places change. Things break. Ideas evolve. When you have moved as frequently as I have over the last six or so years of my life then you become somewhat acclimated to this sort of change. Perhaps it induces a sort of hardening that results in less damage when leaving behind people or scenery that is familiar or even dear to your heart.

Jun 17, 2011

Tub Time

When you have three young children rather close in age, even a simple evening routine of taking baths can seem overwhelming. I sort of have a method. It works some of the time.