Next Week's Menu

Come on in and check out what I'm cooking next week...

Almost 4 Years Old

In just four days my oldest child turns 4 years old. We were living in Minnesota during my pregnancy with him. I spent a huge portion of my time during that pregnancy researching everything I could on raising a baby from vaccinations and health care, different ways to give birth and manage labor pain, nutrition, and general care. I used much of the information and knowledge that I learned for my subsequent two children because they came along so quickly after Sean that I had almost zero time for researching and furthering my knowledge base. So I am very grateful for that time I had and all that I was able to learn.

Something Worth Investing In

Have I maybe mentioned before that our life can get hectic? Oh yeah, I have. No doubt your life is hectic too. You know what is the number one thing that causes us to lose our tempers and get cranky when things start getting crazy have been crazy all day? Okay, its actually number 2 behind time spent with God which is, of course, very important and helpful in those darkest moments in your day. But, the other important thing is to remember that our marriages are the number one most important earthly relationship we can have and they need to be nurtured.

I Won "The Versatile Blogger" Award!

Wow! I was so surprised and honored to be nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award. A hearty thank you to Angell from Passionate and Creative Homemaking for the nomination! Angell writes about the ups and downs of homemaking with a "keeping it real" attitude. Be sure to check out her archives that include useful information such as which blogs host link-up parties (including her link party every Thursday) and when they are held, supportive and helpful homemaking blogs, and blogs on frugality.

When Life Gets Bumpy

Hello everyone! I can't remember a year that I enjoyed spring as much as this year. Perhaps its because other places that I have lived had less of a "spring" season and it was barely noticeable that it wasn't winter before summer was knocking on the door! I've had windows open and we've been outside to enjoy the 70s temperatures. The birds tweeting and plants coming to life has been exactly what I needed during this season of life for our family. You see, right now our family is in a rather hectic stage of life where my husband (Casey) is working two jobs and clocking around 50 (+/-) hours a week as well as the about 15 hours I get on average in two or, often times, three shifts a week at my job. Its very rare we enjoy a true day off as a family. Most weeks one of us is working every single day of the week. Its not something we plan to keep up forever. Its just for right now and we're trying (not always successfully) to remain positive through it.

Back to Blogging and Motivation

Hi friends! I'm back and I have sooo missed blogging!

Nothing super special has happened over the past month or two. We've just been enjoying the spring weather and our new family pass to the zoo. We've been going every Sunday afternoon.

A Blogging Break

Have you noticed its been a bit quiet here at "Three Monkeys in the Jungle?"

Happy Valentine's Day

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.

But the greatest of these is love."

~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

Couples Love Challenge ~ Thoughts After Week 2

So far I have participated in the "Couples Love Challenge" for two full weeks now. I've done my best at completing the challenges and the bonus tasks. I was totally thrilled to find the time and motivation to paint my nails. It had been months since I'd taken the time to paint even my toe nails and that just isn't like me.

"The Good House Wife's Guide" Book Review

I am really rather new to the world of blogging both writing my own and reading others. However, about a year I began coming across blog after blog that encouraged me in ways that mother and church groups have never before challenged and motivated me. These women encourage me to cultivate and model traditional values and morals including dressing modestly, homeschooling to train my children to honor the Lord, practicing frugality, being a submissive and respectful wife, and being a homemaker who serves with a joyful heart. One blog I found to be exceptionally encouraging is The Time Warp Wife Ministry.