The Table

I don't know about you, but I have been making my meal plan for the week and hitting the store. I have noticed two things. One, when I am ready to cook a meal,I have everything I need. Two, I know what we are eating every day. A bonus: I actually save money because I am getting the meals we need and a few extra things. I like to save money, haha. I have 5 men to cook for and they eat a lot. I want to feed them quality meals, as non-processed as possible. I know I talked a lot about meals, and planning, but I firmly believe that what happens around the table is so important. A home cooked meal, a dining experience is something that your family will always remember. My parents were not married for most of my early childhood, but the first thing I think about when I look back, is dinner at the table. I think it is a time where our day stands still, and we can be together. We can pray together, and open up. It may seem like just another dinner to your kids, or spouse now..but it is a time to connect together. The food is a bonus, but why not make it as tasty and planned out easy as possible?

Probably 7 years ago, I got frustrated and wanted an easier way to keep my recipes where I could access easily. Took a little time, and is not a huge invention (huge to me!), but here it is. A giant cookbook that I have spent time making. All( or most) of my fav's are in here. I have them separated by category, some are typed out, some are pulled out of magazines. So, every time I go to decide what to cook, I don't have to go to 7 different cook books, or search for some recipe that gets lost. I have given these for wedding gifts to family members, as they have done also. Many family recipes have been included, and what a keepsake!

I believe there is a huge significance to The Table. God spent his last meal, a sacred time, with his disciples at the table. Let's try and do the same.
Love always, Amy

It's a new day...

It's actually the end of one, but it was a good one. I am in awe of how God can speak to our heart in a way we can hear. I don't know why I doubt God. I don't doubt his ability, only his desire to do so. When the Word says that we who are evil, give good gifts to our children..and he is GOD!! We can never be good enough. We can only believe. God is able to part water, and grow money on trees, lol. I think one of the ways to get to Simplicity in our lives, is quit trying to figure things out, to place blame, or hate where we are in life. It is what it is. Make a choice to be happy. I think 90% of our trouble is our attitude. Choose to be happy, to have a good attitude, to stop complaining. I think this is the challenge for the week. Even when conditions are not perfect, choose to have a good attitude!
Have a good week friends! I have been slightly derailed this week, I apologize. But I guess I don't really know who is reading, so maybe no one is disappointed, haha!! If I can figure out how to upload a pic..that would be helpful!!

Always, Amy

Walk of faith

I wont lie. I am not thrilled with where I am at in my life right now, or the circumstances I guess. I thank God that this is not where I will stay, but traveling thru is not fun. But, on the other hand..having to trust the ONE that can take care and provide for us is not a horrible place either. I remember years ago the Lord speaking to my heart saying, "It is easy to believe Me when your pocketbook is full." Sometimes I think it is easy to walk the walk of faith when your not actively facing challenges of life. Lately, it seems like most days I am in a battle for my belief. I share this because I don't think that I am alone. But God's Word says not to worry. He has taken care of our needs, and we have what we need for today. Tomorrow has worries of it's own. These are moments of temporary affliction. God provides for the lilies of the field and birds of the air, and he loves us so much more. He knows what we need before we even know. He knows our bank account and down to the penny what we need. Thank God that we have Him to go to.

So, I encourage you as I do myself. Thank God that all your needs are met. When the enemy comes to bring chaos in your mind or home, tell him who is in control. Thank God it is not us!! Be blessed today. Amy

Sorry for the delay..

So, I'm back! With several days of wrestling matches, and being called into work, I have not posted! But never fear, I will make up for being gone.

I don't know about you, but for me the weekends are about finishing up the last week, taking a pause and getting ready for the next week. I am not one of those people that only does laundry on Saturday, but if I waited, I would be doing it till the next Saturday! I will let you in on a tip that saved me so much time in my life concerning laundry.
I was always so frustrated while doing laundry because everyone would come get something out of the bottom of the pile that was folded (waiting to be all done and put away). So, my lifesaver and dear friend Jenni,who has 3 DC(dear children), told me her system..or secret, however you want to look at it. Every person has their medium size basket, with their name labeled nicely or scribbled either way, those DC's don't care! So, as you fold your laundry fresh out of the dryer, or tumbled for the 2nd time..you put right in their basket. Not saving the world, but it is SIMPLIFYING your life. Now, here is the best part!! I am jumping with delight, and you will be too...your DC can take their baskets and put their clothes away!! Now us CF(control freaks) first response was.."but their clothes and dresser will be a mess and their clothes will be wrinkled." Yes, they might be. The world is still going to revolve, and your children will be alive. They will learn responsibility at the same time. I did help my then 3 or 4 year old put clothes into piles and let him put in the drawer and bring basket back to me. He was always very proud of what he did! I try to remind myself that they are not going to do things perfect while they are learning. I do occasionally check to make sure they are in the correct drawer and everything is not a mess, or we have those "Come to Jesus" meetings...lol.
Oh, and Shane and I have one basket that we put up ourselves, hehe. We throw socks into a smaller drawer that whoever gets in trouble, or wants to earn $2 gets to sort!! This has saved my life! Hope it helps you too!!

So, I hope you did well on your dinners together this week. Leave a post and tell me how you did!! See you all tomorrow!

It's a new day..

Oh how the challenges of life can try to de-rail us from new changes that we are trying to implement. I won't lie..it has been one of those days. I will spare you the sad, frustrating details, but I can do one of two things...sit down and cry(which sometimes we need!!)..or I can get my body moving and go run or do something physical. I am going to resist the urge to lie down and cry, and get my bootie moving out the door. I KNOW after a run, I will feel better. Notice I said after. Exercise even if you are just starting or always work out, is hard. But after your done, you feel great. And I know that some that were watching The Biggest Loser last night secretly wanted to be there..even with those bon-bons in your hand(I have been guilty of that). ALL change has to start somewhere. Walk or run one mile. You can do it!!
If you need a plan, go to C25k(couch to 5k).it's a plan that is very do able at any level!

P.S. How did that dinner go last night? Ours was great! Candles and everything. Cooking to cleaned up was 1 hour and a few minuets. Remember, it's all about being together and making memories together :) Happy running( or walking) my friends!!

Let's Begin

As I started my reading the Bible thru in a Year and was in Genesis 2, I noticed how God told Adam to not eat of the tree before he even created Eve, but the Serpent went TO Eve. Why is that? I believe it is because women have so much influence in the home. We have the ability to bring peace or chaos, we can be the encourager or the accuser. We have such a responsibility and the pleasure to create a HOME. I think all of our souls crave peace. I have 4 sons, and there is always something going on in my house. I love the quiet..where I can actually HEAR.

So here is a challenge! For one week, yes 7 DAYS, no eating out! Make that shopping list. Plan meals (at least dinner) and set that table. Make that meal where everyone is PRESENT. No TV, no cell phone. Bring out the conversation and see what happens! Let's make dinner an event. Let the kids set the table(my kids love that),use serving plates! Now, this does not need to be expensive, just special!

Don't have any killer recipes? Go to Food Network online? Or better yet, call your Mom or your Grandma and ask on of their favorites! (and your building relationships at the same time!)

Have a great day!

Starting out right in 2011

Well, HELLO! I have been thinking about starting a blog for about 3 months, mulling it over in my brain. Would people read? Do I have anything interesting to write? But as I prayed about my life and where I want to be in 2011,I just need this journey to be about me and maybe inspire others to be better.I love home design, remodel, cooking and just making my life easier. I invite you to come along on my journey of A Life Simplified. Over the last several years I feel like my life is screaming from the inside SIMPLIFY ME! So here I go. I welcome your comments and feedback! There will be several changes I am sure to the site, as this is my first blog, so please be patient! Blessings, Amy