Hopeful Housewife

I dont remember the last time a Wednesday was this satisfying.

I woke up feeling rested today for the first time in a really, really long time. Funny too, because I didn’t sleep very well. I got out of bed, pressed the hubs’ clothes, grumbled briefly about my leaky iron, and had a minute to chat with the hubs before he had to head out. He gave me the most sincere compliment before he left. He told me he was grateful for me, saying, “You know, not everyone is as commited as you are.” Doesnt sound like your typical touchy feel-y husband compliment, but it was really the best thing he could have said to me today. I’ve always been told I’m a flake or have no follow through. I’m confident that my “job”in my home is the one thing I have successfully adhered to, but it felt sooo good to hear my husband put it to me that way. I shooed him out the door around 7:00am, and sat with my older two kiddos for a bit while they ate some breakfast. I made some really tasty chocolate chocolate chip muffins last night, and the kids enjoyed those with some chocolate milk this morning. My menu has been a bit altered this week, but still managed to make everything I made with what I had on hand, and that’s my only goal, really.

I had some hot tea, and enjoyed a phone call from a friend of mine. It felt really good to talk to her, and I so appreciated her taking time to give me a ring.

I managed to get the kids through the majority of their schooling today, and was pleasantly surprised when my son brought down a short story he had written. I was really impressed with his writing, and feel like things are really clicking in that area. It’s a tough subject for him, but after such a successful week writing, he stated today that he wants to be a writer when he grows up. “One that the New York Times talks about.” he explained. Love that boy. His dreams are so big.

Got all my dinner food prep done before lunch time, and it paid off. Dinner was so tasty tonight! I boiled down the chicken I was going to use for buffalo chicken pizza, and decided to serve it shredded in a chicken gravy over pilaf. I paired it with some sauteed spinach and homemade bread. The hubs was so happy. He doesnt usually eat my sauteed spinach, but he had THREE servings of it tonight. After dinner, hubs and I had a really sweet conversation that made both of us tear up. Funny how there are days when you just realize how important you are to one-another. I really am so blessed to have such a great man who actively strives to be godly.

Hubs loaded us all up in the car and treated us all to a wendy’s frosty for dessert which we ate at the little “park” in our complex. The kids then showered up, and got ready for bed. As I walked upstairs to take my shower, I spotted Gavin reading “Frog and Toad” to the girls. He saw me and said, “I thought I’d make some time to read the girls a bedtime story mom.” They were so grateful to have a moment with him. He’s very easily irritated by his sisters these days, and as a mama, I need to see these kinds of moments.

God revealed some really encouraging things to me today, and I’d appreciate your prayers as I sift through everything He has said to me. I suspect that a ministry I’ve been working on for years is getting ready to move forward. I’d appreciate prayers for wisdom, discernment, and a quiet spirit. I tend to get too excited and then I cant hear a thing He is telling me.

Finished up my evening by tidying up the kitchen and dining areas, and cleaning my stove top, inside and out. Love the feeling of cooking on a really clean stove. I’m gonna pull the rest of the frozen cinnamon rolls out tonight so that they can be baked and sent with the hubs in the morning for a few of his co-workers that might enjoy a little treat. We’ll make sure that four of them stay here with us, of course.

Hubs and I will head to bed soon in order to prepare for another day. A day the Lord has made.

You have until Friday at noon to get your entries in for the cookbook contest. Now’s your chance to enter to win a copy of “deceptively delicious.” Contest details are here!

Some women want diamonds. Some want 400.00 handbags or italian leather shoes. Perhaps you’re a collector of something, or maybe you’re like me, and spending money, even when you have it, is painful. Ha!

I had my “diamond ring” moment the other day though. You know what I’m talking about. You’re walking in the mall, past the jewelry store, and the sparkle of the huge cushion cut diamonds catches your eye. For a split second, you’re somewhat hypnotized, but then you come to your senses and realize that 1.) the prices are just ridiculous, and 2.) the ring you have suits you perfectly anyway.

Yeah, so that happens to me, but not in the same way it happens so some other women. I was walking from one store to another in a nearby shopping center, and I passed by Williams Sonoma. This is a store I dont even walk into, because I’m too practical to shop there. As I walked by the window, however, the beautiful sparkle caught my eye.  It’s sheen and ability to catch the light stopped me in my tracks. I stared at it for a minute, and then walked away, knowing that if I checked the price, I’d probably throw up.

I would have been right. It’s over 800.00. Ok, who am I kidding. It’s 899.99. Thats hardly just “over 800.00″.

Trouble is, I really want it. Like, alot. Whats really weird is that its really out of character for me to like something like this, because I already have one.  I really would love to have a second one, however, and there have been so many times I wished I had a second one that could be buzzin’ along. My other thought was I could do larger batches with this one, aiding in my desire to sell my breads and such. Did I mention its beautiful? I really cant see myself EVER justifying it, but a girl can dream. You cant take that away from me.