How Do You Love?

It is Monday!

We had a great weekend, full of family and entertaining.

My friend Aimee, her husband, and dynamic 2 year old daughter Scarlett joined us Saturday evening, and my brother in-law and his wife, P&J, on Sunday evening.

After our guests drove away last night, and I finished cleaning the kitchen sink...my favorite part of the clean-up process, I sat!

I didn't realize how tired I was, and yet the most amazing feeling swept over me! I love having people in my home, I love serving them, I love their laughter, and I LOVE COOKING for them! Usually the meal isn't fancy or complicated, but full of fresh and tasty ingredients.

I don't mind being in the kitchen for 4/5 hours prior to them showing up, and I feel real joy when everyone is sitting, the food is served, and conversation and laughter fill my home.

Have you ever heard of the five love languages?

If cooking were a love language then I was created to show and receive LOVE by workin in the kitchen! I also grew up in a home where friends were always welcome for dinner, the food was delicious and made with love, & two parents who loved to see others enjoy what they had been blessed with! Something was always stewing in the kitchen and laughter abounded!

I learned from my parents example how to love others by serving others, and I can't think of a better way!

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This weeks verse is:

Proverbs 31: 13 & 25-31 (A worthy woman)

She looks for wool and flax,

And works with her hands in delight.

Strength and dignity are her clothing,

And she smiles at the future.

She opens her mouth in wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and bless her;

Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

"Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all."

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Give her the product of her hands,

And let her works praise her in the gates.

This is the goal...our life is a journey, I am still daily learning how to be gracious and Godly, but I am so thankful I can share my journey with friends and family...and fun food!

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Meals for Monday...Tuesday...Wednesday...

Do you know of the Pioneer Woman? If you don't then allow me to introduce you!

She is so talented, funny, real, a hard working mom/teacher, and a fabulous chef! Her blog is filled with AMAZING photos, soooo many recipes that cause me to gain pounds just by looking at them, and post after post of helpful, encouraging, and realistic information! Sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy hours of fun reading with The Pioneer Woman!

This week, in light of my love of servin others up with tasty food, I am serving my dudes with recipes from the Queen of great food and hospitality...The Pioneer Woman way!

Mon: Leftovers from our weekend.

Tues: Three Cheese Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce

Wed: Beef Stew & Salad

Thurs: Freezer Meals...way to many leftovers in my freezer, it is going to be a smorgasbord!

Fri: Chicken Parm & Warm Spinach Salad

Sat: My Favorite Meatloaf & Roasted Veggies

Sun: Ginger Steak Salad

I am linking my meal plan up with the Organizing Junkie, her blog is an amazing resource and filled with hundreds of meal plans weekly! Check it out, you won't be sorry!

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Monday Facial

Don't forget with all that servin others, you need to take a moment or two for YOU!

Today is the last day to

Refresh, Replenish, and Save!

Three super sales targeting three different areas of your body!

Stock up and save on products that will have you moisturized, smelling great, and bikini ready in no time!

www.mysensaria.com/allnatural

Have a great week! I hope you spend some time around the table enjoying your friends and family!

Photos: HipHomeMaker, Pioneer Woman, & Organizing Junkie

It's Monday Again

Hi All,

It is Monday again...right. Well not exactly, it is Tuesday you say... You are correct. This post was suppose to go out yesterday, but I have been without Internet for 48 hours. We have been blessed with a new computer....I am LOVIN it, and so it was time to upgrade our Internet speed as well. This process wasn't as easy as we thought it might be, and has been one big problem after another. I am happy to be back on line again, I hadn't realized how addicted to my blog I actually am! Nothing but L.O.V.E. for you ladies! : )

You all know, by now, how much I adore Mondays.

They really do tickle my fancy, I always get so much done, our day is slow and spent together, I give myself the luxury of extra time spent on me, and life resumes order once again.

However, this was not the case for yesterday.

I ruined a perfectly good Monday with a really bad attitude. I couldn't shake it, the funk lasted from my first morning cup of coffee...which was cold, through a crazy but much needed trip to the grocery store, all the way onto dinner which had to be changed at the last min because I choose to help a lady in the wine isle and got distracted, until finally, with one long huffy sigh, I went to bed!

Sad, hu? I agree, it was a waste, and I am so not proud of how I behaved. My oldest son even commented on my attitude, " Your really having kinda a rough day today Mom...," I just had to hang my head and ask for his forgiveness.

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Today is a new day.

New computer, with extra fast speedy capabilities, new attitude, and a new opportunity to choose joy! My day started with Jazzercise, and I am still going strong. I love how exercise can help with a new perspective! I did get to spend extra time with my Bible yesterday, a coping mechanism, and so without further ado...here is the verse for me this week!

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do You not know? Have you not hear?

The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth

Does not become weary or tired.

His understanding is inscrutable.

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly,

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary!

Yes, Yes, Yes, and an Amen too!

(For more on this, see Listening to the Silence tab)

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Meals for Monday...Tuesday...Wednesday...
Mon: Breakfast for Dinner-Crepes with Roasted Veggies and Goat Cheese (served over a bed of greens with V&O...amazing)!

Tues: Roasted Potato Leek Soup (w/bacon and avocado)

Wed: Roasted Chicken and Pears (over brown rice)

Thurs: Pot Roast with a Big Green Salad

Fri: Homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza

Sat: Flex

Sun: Italian Wedding Soup (I use kale instead of spinach)

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Facial Monday:
It is my hope that you will set aside some time this week for yourself. I know that time is precious, but so are YOU! Take an extra ten minutes, if that is all you can spare. Close the bathroom door, breath, and take care of you. I love candles, a hot bath with fun reading material, a facial, freshly painted toes, and a little Vanilla Bean body butter! I wish I could say that I get all this in every week, I don't, but I do find time for some pampering. Do what you can, you are so worth it, and will be a better mom, wife, and friend for the time spent on you.

Deal of the week:

This is an amazing collection of products, a fun pomegranate scent, and a great gift for someone you love...maybe you! To order click here, this deal won't last long!

Have a great week!

Mondays Make Me Smile...

T.G.I.M.

Mondays are such a great way to start the week!

(We had a great weekend; family movie night, packed away Christmas, caught up with friends, and enjoyed massive birthday celebrations!!!)

BUT Monday...well...

It is my day to catch up, relax and enjoy my boys, and set the tone for our week.

On Mondays I usually;

do

Laundry, Meal Planning/Shopping, My Weekly Facial, and Set the Tone for Our Week!

I want you to love and look forward to Monday as much as I do! Hope I can encourage you!

Here's what is happening today:

Meal Plan:

Mon: Clam Chowder and BLT's

Tues: Flank and Roasted Veggies

Wed: White Bean and Leak Soup w/salad and bread

(I add 1-2 leaks in with the onions, and a squeeze of lemon at the end...)

Thurs: Warm Rice and Chicken Salads

Fri: Turkey Hand Pies w/ salad

Sat: Chicken Chili

Sun: Fish Tacos

Facial Tip:

We are all starting our new year with fresh ideas, goals, and schedules. Why not start this year with a new facial routine, which will refresh, brighten , and renew your skin!

May I introduce the: Sea Silk Mask

Red Algae, a sea plant rich in nutrients, has been known to regenerate and hydrate the skin to dramatically improve firmness, smoothness and elasticity. The complexion is revitalized, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced, and all signs of irritation are soothed and calmed.

This is an amazing product, one of my favorites. Your skin will be transformed with one weekly mask! Try it!

Setting the Tone:
Our family verse for this week is

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!
for more on this, see the listening to the silence tab

So what do you do on Monday? I hope it was a happy day for you, and set the tone for a wonderful week!