{10 favorite things} a mother's love

My mom got me this sweet little gift and gave it to me while we were in Vancouver (did you see my little blurp on our family vacation?)  My mom wrote this simple message in the front of the book, "from one mother's heart to another."  Have I ever mentioned how wonderful my mom is?

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This book is basically 92 pages of adorably cute animals and uplifting motherhood quotes and stories.  Its a quick read but an excellent gift.  (Mother's Day is coming up!)  I wanted to share a few of my favorites from here.  Happy Friday Moms!

one . Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws. - Barbara Kingsolver

two . Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

three . A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.  It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. - Agatha Christie

four . I cannot forget my mother. She is my bridge.  When I needed to get across, she steadied herself long enough for me to run across safely. - Renita Weems

five . The phrase "working mother" is redundant. - Jane Sellman

six . There are a million moving parts to raising kids, and you can't always anticipate them all... It's as simple, and scary, as that. - Anna Quindler

seven . My mother's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it. - Buddy Hackett

eight . Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life. - Sophocles

nine . My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. - Mark Twain

ten . A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. - Sophia Loren

read of the month { the berlin kitchen }

Read of the week has officially become read of the month (or maybe of the season, ha!) because I don't have any time anymore to read.  Ok, scratch that, I do have some time to read.  However, I have also committed to the Bible in a year (I'm currently 55% done, go me!).  So if I do have a few minutes its usually reading on my YouVersion App. 

I did (finally) get this little gem read.  And believe me, it was worth it.  If you loved Eat, Pray, Love and Julie & Julia then you'll love this book.  And if you are a cook like me there area few recipes in here that are worth writing down!  Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

Distance means nothing when your kitchen smells like home.

I guess, dear reader, I want to tell you that even when you have found your person in this world, the person who you know, deep down in your mitochondrial DNA, is meant to be by your side in this life, it is no guarantee that this person will not also drive you completely batshit insane at some moments along the way.  It is unfair to expect your sweetheart to be a perfect person or to consider yourself above reproach just because you love each other.  Even if you have found your one true love, you will still have exact ideas about how to clean a floor, whether your family is nuts or simply lovable, and just what, exactly, are the requirements for being a good driver.  But I knew we were on the right path when we managed to agree on potato salad.

That's the funny thing about good friends.  You can never remember what life was like before they came along.

My Berlin Kitchen: A Love Story (With Recipes)

in a nutshell (from Amazon)
It takes courage to turn your life upside down, especially when everyone is telling you how lucky you are. But sometimes what seems right can feel deeply wrong. My Berlin Kitchen tells the story of how one thoroughly confused, kitchen-mad perfectionist broke off her engagement to a handsome New Yorker, quit her dream job, and found her way to a new life, a new man, and a new home in Berlin—one recipe at a time.

Luisa Weiss grew up with a divided heart, shuttling back and forth between her father in Boston and her Italian mother in Berlin. She was always yearning for home—until she found a new home in the kitchen. Luisa started clipping recipes in college and was a cookbook editor in New York when she decided to bake, roast, and stew her way through her by then unwieldy collection over the course of one tumultuous year. The blog she wrote to document her adventures in (and out) of the kitchen, The Wednesday Chef, soon became a sensation. But she never stopped hankering for Berlin.

Luisa will seduce you with her stories of foraging for plums in abandoned orchards, battling with white asparagus at the tail end of the season, orchestrating a three-family Thanksgiving in Berlin, and mending her broken heart with batches (and batches) of impossible German Christmas cookies. Fans of her award-winning blog will know the happy ending, but anyone who enjoyed Julie and Julia will laugh and cheer and cook alongside Luisa as she takes us into her heart and tells us how she gave up everything only to find love waiting where she least expected it.

**I'm also updating my Shelfari bookshelf (bottom of blog) after many months of neglect.  Apologies!

eucharisteo: 101-150

101.  the smell of a cedar chest
102.  the feeling of a big comfy sweater
103.  the feeling you get after a great work out
104.  hot tubs
105.  polka dot rain boots
106.  learning about my norwegian heritage
107.  my grandparents and that they still love each other (and show it)
108.  the feeling you get when you complete a project and you are thrilled with the results
109.  spring flowers
110. when you find the match to that missing sock
111.  a new tube of mascara
112.  manicured lawns
113.  snowglobes
114.  making christmas cookies with my mom
115.  snowmen
116.  sprinkles
117.  a worn in pair of adorable high heels
118.  anything wrapped in a very small box with a giant bow
119.  laying under the stars
120.  laying on a blanket in the grass and watching the clouds go by
121.  someone playing with your hair
122.  a great massage
123.  white picket fences
124.  horses running in a pasture
125.  the whistling of a train far off in the distance
126.  the hustle and bustle of an airport
127.  the sound of palm leaves in the breeze
128.  sipping fruity cocktails on the beach
129.  the slight spray of ocean water on your face from the breeze
130.  a great sandcastle
131.  recycling
132.  holding hands as you cross the road
133.  that beautiful soft blanket of snow right after a big snowstorm
134.  the stars and moon shining off the snow
135.  puppy tracks in the snow
136.  long cable knit scarves
137.  finding exactly what you were looking for and its on sale
138.  down comforters
139.  the smell of a roast in the oven
140.  big beautiful eyes
141.  especially my husbands eyes
142.  singing worship songs that brings tears to your eyes
143.  realizing a worship song is stuck in your head
144.  a memory that makes you smile
145.  sunday morning church service
146.  an old wooden church pew
147.  stained glass windows
148.  pipe organ music
149.  children's choir singing christmas hymns
150.  candelight services

eucharisteo: one thousand gifts 50-100

51.  pixar short films
52.  my husband singing beatles songs to our babe
53.  dinner on the grill
54.  light rain hitting the outside of our tent as we sleep
55.  s'mores
56.  the clicking of my knitting needles
57. a clean kitchen
58.  finally getting my hair cut at the salon after so many months
59.  the way my dog goes crazy after his bath
60.  air conditioning
61.  long walks with my pup
62.  my baby snuggling against my chest
63.  still being able to "read" books while holding a newborn via kindle or audiobook
64.  getting together with family at the church ice cream social
65.  my mom's broccoli and cheese soup on a cold and rainy day
66.  the sound of thunder
67.  my lil baby's snores
68.  country bars
69.  watching people two step on the dance floor
70.  an ice cold beer with friends
71.  lazy saturdays
72.  my baby's long eyelashes
73.  pup dreaming his lil pup dreams and kicking his feet
74.  my grandma's homemade dill pickles
75.  the macy's thanksgiving's day parade
76.  the way christmas lights twinkle on a christmas tree
77.  a beautifully wrapped gift
78.  getting someone something that they absolutely love and watching their face light up
79.  birthday cake
80.  blowing out the candles on your own birthday cake
81.  the excitement of christmas morning
82.  candelight dinners
83.  cloth napkins and tablecloths
84.  fine china and cut crystal glasses
85.  rocking on a porch swing
86.  strawberry lemonade
87.  lazy pool days
88.  the coolness on the other side of your pillow
89.  snuggling in an afghan watching movies on a rainy day
90.  the feeling you get when you walk into a coffee shop and smell the aroma
91.  peanut butter fudge
92.  oreo cookies dunked in milk
93.  the sound of my grandpa's cows mooing in the pasture
94.  my grandpa's barn cats that purr when you pet them
95.  tire swings
96.  laughing so hard you cry
97.  beautiful penmanship
98.  sharpies
99.  that new car smell
100. glitter

read of the week: one thousand gifts

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Rightfully Where You are by Ann Voskamp IS A MUST READ!  So refreshing and thoroughly inspiring.  "One Thousand Gifts is a celebration of grace and a recognition of the power of gratitude" (the website).  I wish I had her strength, motivation, patience, and thirst for such a close relationship with the One and only.  She did offer much insight about finding the joy in the little things everyday.  Not to lose your head when the laundry is overflowing, dinner is burning in the stove and your dog won't stop barking.  A great self reflection for myself as a struggle with 7 week old and colic.  Ann writes out a thousand gifts/joys/things she is most thankful for.  Her "eucharisteo". Eucharisteo – life-filling gratitude – the practice of which is exercised in recording blessings, one by one. I was so inspired by this book that I would also like to write out my thousand.  So for the new few days (or as I find time!) you'll see me post my eucharisteo.

{in no particular order}
1.   a sleeping baby
2.   an empty sink - clean dishes
3.   the wag of my pup's tail
4.   cuddling in bed with my hubs
5.   the smell of fresh cut grass
6.   the smell of rain
7.   the smell of chocolate chip cookies
8.   receiving a hand written letter in the mail from a friend
9.   talking to my grandma on the phone ... miles away
10. the sound of the washing machine (means i'm getting things done around here!)
11. my babies coos
12. the precious minutes (or seconds) i get each day doing a devotion
13. the beautiful pansies on my doorstep (that i have managed to keep alive)
14.  my babies big blue eyes
15.  my husbands laugh
16.  skype
17.  homemade chocolate chip cookies right of the oven
18.  big fluffy snowflakes
19.  cowboy boots
20.  that song on the radio that fits that perfect moment
21.  a good roadtrip with a friend
22.  a long and much needed catch up phone call with a close friend
23.  that wonderful happiness a bride has on her wedding day
24.  my babies little toes that wiggle constantly
25.  the christian lullabies playing in my babies nursery that put her to sleep
26.  a day at the spa
27.  being able to kiss those chubby cheeks of hers
28.  the way my husband dances and how it makes me laugh
29.  the feeling of contentment
30.  fireflies
31.  the sound of my nephew saying "hi aunt lauren" on the phone
32.  my baby's long and beautiful eyelashes
33.  text messaging
34.  that refreshing feeling you have after getting a much needed pedicure
35.  the time i'm able to find to actually write down prayers and thankfulness
36.  my "starting to wear out" bible look
37.  new friends at a new church in canada
39.  ice cream shops that are only open during the summer
40.  hot dogs outside at the park by mrs. curl in greenwood
41.  a good sprinkler run
42.  the smell of stationary paper
43.  organization
44.  still being able to hear my grandpa's voice in my head even though he passed away a year ago
45.  still being able to remember his smile and laugh even though he passed away a year ago
46.  a great yoga class on a saturday morning
47.  an evening walk with my husband and pup
48.  watching my dog prance around at the dog park in utter bliss
49.  the ergo baby carrier my baby loves to cuddle up in while i wear it
50.  fresh tomatoes from the garden

read of the week: the baby whisperer

I thought I was done with all the baby reading.  However, my wonderful new friend, Chelsea gave me two of the Baby Whisper books and pretty much told me it changed her life.  She said they worked for her and her two babies (both under the age of 2) are sleeping through the night.  On that note, why would I NOT read these books?  Especially since the doctor put me on semi bed rest for the last three weeks.  (Thus the reason my blog has been collecting spider webs lately... all I've been doing is catching up with my DVR).

So I read Secrets of the Baby Whisperer:  How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with your Baby first.  Her method is very similar to the Baby Wise Series (which I'm all for - parent direct feedings).  She establishes a routine and flexible schedule.  She introduces the E.A.S.Y. (eating, activity, sleeping, you) plan as well as the S.L.O.W. (stop, listen, observe, whats up) plan.  After reading her method its pretty much common sense.  Baby raising isn't rocket science here.  Its just about keeping a good routine and sticking to it as much as possible.  Obviously, there are good days and bad but you just have to adapt your schedule around the day.  I also love that she categorizes baby personalities into certain types.  She also explains how each type adjusts to the world around him/her and why certain things work (or don't work) for each type.

So thank you Chelsea for letting me borrow this.  I copied many pages at the library for future reference.

read of the week: baby massage

 

I've read in quite a few books now that giving your baby a massage works wonders.  So I finally checked out a book at our local library.  Baby Massage:  The Calming Power of Touch is a quick read with a lot of useful pictures and step by step illustrations.  It teaches you what strokes and touch points to use.  It goes into good detail about techniques that will help colic and gas.  It also talks about different techniques to use on a newborn compared to a toddler.  I may check this out again when baby arrives just so I don't forget anything.  I like the entire "routine" they use after bath.  I can see this being a special bonding time before bed. 

Enjoy!

read of the week: james: mercy triumphs

Well this actually isn't anything you can read in one week.  However, I finished it this week so I feel a little victory being able to finally post about it.  If you know me, I'm a huge Beth Moore follower.  I love hearing her speak and studying closely with her in her yearly studies.  Last February she started getting her thoughts together for a James study with a discussion on Wednesday nights at Houston's First Baptist.  We were living in Houston at the time so a friend of mine started going to see her... along with thousands of other women.  The parking lot itself was nuts.  However, being able to worship with that many women and getting to hear Beth talk live was an incredible experience.  It was a welcomed peace each week during a very crazy and difficult time in my life.  Unfortunately, due to a very busy work environment I wasn't able to attend the whole series.  I was overjoyed to finally hear the series was released on book this past November.  Finally I could embrace this study on my own time.  Thank you to my mother in law, Melissa for getting me this for Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Beth's studies you will need to know they are a 7 week series with 5 daily studies each at least 45 minutes long.  She really digs into the scripture and into your heart.  I've never met anyone not changed after doing one of these.  So far, I've finished the following:

Believing God (my favorite so far)
David: Seeking a Heart like his
Jesus, the One and Only
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things
and now James: Mercy Triumphs

James is an in depth look at (of course) the book of James.  Beth literally has us write out and meditate on the entire chapter.  You also get a deeper look James walk with his brother Jesus and the early christian church after his resurrection.  James is a chapter everyone knows but if you haven't gone deeper then I recommend you take time for this study.

read of the week: on becoming babywise II

I went ahead and read the second book in the baby wise series.  On Becoming Babywise II:  Parenting Your 5 to 12 month old through the babyhood transition by Gary Ezzo. 

I figured it would be better to read it now while I still have plenty of time to soak in the information.  I am sure I'll go back and re-read later on.  I'm really enjoying this parenting strategy.  Grant it, it does seem a bit structured but I like the ideas it proposes.  This book in particular deals with introducing solid foods, the high chair and manners.  It also goes into depth about play time and nap time schedules.  I really hope we can get on a schedule.  We will know here in a few short weeks!

read of the week: bringing up bebe

I saw Pamela Druckerman on the Today show promoting her new book, Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Art of French Parenting.  It sounded really interesting so I immediately put it on hold at the library. 

Summary of the story is a lady falls in love with a foreigner and ends up moving across the Atlantic to be with him.  They get married and end up living in Paris.  She explains the difficulties meeting other ladies and all around adjusting to life internationally.  Then comes baby.  She compares french parenting to american parenting and trying to fit in french while still holding on to her american roots.  French babies are not picky like American babies.  The restaurants do not have kid menus full of chicken tenders and mac n cheese.  French babies "do their nights" very early on where some American babies don't sleep all night until they are almost 2.  Since, I also live internationally and am expecting a baby I thought this book was really interesting.  Of course Canada is nothing like France.  Canadians share a lot of the same values and parenting ideals that Americans do.  However, living very far away from everything you know does bring on a challenge.  I also got a few french parenting tips out of this book that I think will be very useful.

read of the week: happiest baby on the block

I'm conquering this pregnancy "to read" list like this baby is coming next week!  However, this book sadly doesn't get my best rating and I ended up skimming parts just to get through it.  Maybe its the fact that I read Baby Wise and then read this back to back.  They are two completely different ways to comfort a newborn, and they both say they are the best method of parenting out there.  I was more impressed with the Baby Wise philosophy than Happiest Baby.  However, you may feel differently.  Every mother is different.. or so they tell me.

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Karp is mostly focused on a colicky baby.  (Yes, if my baby is colicky you'll probably see me referencing this book again thanking her for all her advice.  However, I really hope baby doesn't have a case of the colic).  Her methods are basically about wrapping the baby in a "fourth trimester" atmosphere.  She explains that the baby isn't ready to leave the womb yet at 9 months and needs another 3 months of extra TLC in order to really be "born".  In order to create this environment her book goes into great detail about the 5 "S"s.... shushing, suckling, swinging, swaddling, and stomach/side placement.  If you can get your baby to do all 5 of these perfectly she is likely to calm down significantly.  I doubt I will truly follow her system, but I do think some of the methods will be worth trying.  We shall see... 14 weeks to go!

read of the week: on becoming baby wise

Here we are at the end of the second trimester.  I feel like all I've been doing lately is reading and baking.  I apologize my life (and this blog) have become a bit dull.  This week I'm planning a big DIY project for our living room.  Keep your fingers crossed that it goes well.

For baby reading, I was recommended the baby wise series.  The first book in the series,  On Becoming Baby Wise:  Giving your Infant the Gift of Nightime sleep.  This was similar to From the Hips in reading material.. set up textbook style with a lot of information.  I even found myself taking some notes.  Its all about getting your baby on a schedule for feedings.  Every 2 1/2-3 hours feeding your baby.  If the baby is off schedule one day then restart the schedule according to when you feed next.   It also suggests how long baby should sleep, how many naps, etc.  I think the information was really useful however we won't know for about 15 more weeks!  I plan on reading the second book in the series here in a few weeks.

read of the week: the hunger games trilogy

If you haven't read this triology yet, what are you waiting for?  Its an easy read and the books flow together. I literally read them all last week because I couldn't put them down!  Needless to say, the rest of my life was in shambles by the time the reading was done, but I have no regrets.  I can't wait for the movie to come out later this month. I own the first book on Kindle if anyone needs a lend.

read of the week: The Ultimate Life

My mother in law passed this book on to us over Christmas.  If you like Tuesdays with Morrie then you'll also like this.  Its a quick read.  But its one of those "good for the souls" type books. The Ultimate Life by Jim Stovall is a profound follow-up to the bestselling book and major motion picture, The Ultimate Gift. When Jason Stevens found out he had to jump through hoops to maybe get an unnamed inheritance from his billionaire grandfather, he was not amused. By the time he'd finished learning the lessons he'd become a different man. Ready to tackle the duties of running a multi-billion dollar trust, he is once again derailed, this time by his pugnacious family. Not content with their cattle ranches and oil fields, his aunts, uncles, and even his parents are determined to see every last dime entrusted to their own self-serving pockets.  With none of the reluctance he initially showed for the Gift, he eagerly accepts the challenge and pushes himself to prove not only to his family and the court but also to the world, that with determination and the simple tenets of the Gift, anyone can lead The Ultimate Life. (Google Books Review)

read of the week: having a mary heart in a martha world

My mother in law bought this book for me LAST christmas.  Last year, my New Year's Resolution was to start reading more.  My goal was three books (which I thought was a lot at the time).  Well I'm up to at least 4 starting in 2012 and its only the second month.  See?!  Some resolutions do work.

Anyway, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver is a great read for this time of year.  Here we are at the end of February and we have hit the ground running after Christmas catching up on all things pre holiday season.  Most of us are running around like chickens with our heads cut off.  (I know we are here in the Shanks household).  Its the shortest month yet seems to be the busiest for some reason.  Who has time to spend time with God? Each day? Yeah right!

The book is based on the famous story of Mary and Martha. Martha is the busy bee.  She is preparing a huge meal for Jesus and all of his followers in her home.  Her heart is in the preparation and being a happy hostess.  If the guests are comfortable then she is comfortable.  Mary is the more relaxed one.  She is more than content to just sit at Jesus' feet and listen while he is in their home.  This drives Martha crazy.  Thanks Mary for nothing!  She isn't doing anything to help prepare this big extravagant meal.  Yet, Jesus sides with Mary.  He wants us at his feet.  Easier said than done if you are a Martha!!

So, let me know if anyone is interested in borrowing my copy.  There is a great study at the end of the book for each chapter if you want to go deeper (which I also recommend).

read of the week: from the hips

Well, finally I finished this massive book.  Ok, its not massive but it feels like it.  There is so much information!  According to the reviews this and What to Expect When You are Expecting are the all time winners for pregnancy information books.  They are basically both textbooks for how to be pregnant and beyond.  Well, I can go ahead and tell you after reading both of them (yes i'm an overachiever) From the Hips is by far better than What to Expect.  Why?  It has a lot of great information geared to the momma.  There are real life opinions from other moms.  It focuses on all the frustrations, worries, anxieties the mom feels through pregnancy and postnatal.  It also has pros and cons and all the information for everything you need to learn. Breastfeeding vs bottles,cloth vs disposable, types of child rearing techniques, etc.  And for a girl that really has no idea what she is getting into this was a great read.  I would recommend it to all my preggo friends.

Thank you again to my mother-n-law, Melissa for giving this book to me at Christmas!

the warning signs

As some of my most faithful followers know, I am reading Daily Guidepost as my 10 minute daily devotion.  (Pick a copy up if you haven't already... this year is really good!)  I wanted to share with you today's thoughts.  It made me laugh.

The Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by his messengers. -- II Corinthians 36:15

Searching for something online recently, I stumbled on a list of "Wacky Warning Labels".  Evidently, in this era of frivolous lawsuits, manufacturers have felt it necessary to put some (you would think) unnecessary labels on their products.  Some of my favorites are:

1.  On a blanket:  "Not to be used as protection from a tornado."
2.  On a carpenter's electric drill:  "Not intended for use as a dental drill."
3.  On a bottle of dog shampoo:  "Caution: The contents of the bottle should not be fed to fish."
4.  On a string of Christmas lights:  "For indoor or outdoor use only".
5.  On a hair dryer:  "Do not use in shower".
6.  On a Batman costume:  "This cape does not give wearer the ability to fly."
7.  On a cartridge for a laser printer:  "Do not eat toner".
8.  On a novelty rock garden:  "Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth."
9.  On a child's car seat:  "Remove child before folding."
10.  On a household iron:  "Never iron clothes while they are being worn."

I just love these.  Feel free to comment with any others you can think of.  I know another popular one is the McDonald's coffee "caution: Hot" lid.  When Moses came down with the Ten Commandments I am sure the people thought these were crazy rules as well.  However, unlike the rules above the Ten Commandments "are just plain common sense".  Labels, if you ignore them someone (or you) is going to get hurt.

Blitz Giveaway Week

If you haven't checked out Roo Mag yet, what are you waiting for?  It was created by Candace Cameron Bure (remember her from Full House?) Its a blog geared toward woman and the special momens of everyday life.  Its super sweet and inspirational.  If you enjoy magazines like Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple you'll want to check this out.  Anyway, they are doing a giveaway week!!  Check everyday this week for items they are giving away! :)  They have some really great items.  Yesterdays is my favorite so far.  Three books by Karen Ehman on organizing, maintaining a welcoming home, and homespun memories.  If I don't win these books I may just go ahead and order them.  They look fantastic.

{giveaway details}

The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized walks women, step-by-step, through strategies for taking care of the “have tos” of life: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, de-cluttering and handling piles of paper, so that they can get around to the “want tos” of life: spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby or connecting with God. Full of doable ideas, simple recipes and re-producable lists and forms, it will be the kick-in-the-pants to help you get your act together. Along with an autographed copy of this book, the winner will also get a $10 Staples gift card to purchase some snazzy organizational items.

A Life That Says Welcome is all about simple ways to open your heart and home to others. If the phrase “Company’s coming!” sends you running for cover, you’ll want to check out this practical book full of decorating ideas, quick-cleaning strategies and cooking-for-a-crowd (and kid-friendly) recipes. It also includes some “hospitality on the road” ways to reach out to others even when you aren’t at home. A signed copy of this book will be awarded to one lucky winner along with a $10 gift card from Target to purchase something decorative for the home.

Homespun Memories for the Heart will give you over 200 ideas for making unforgettable memories with the loved ones in your life. Whether it is a holiday, a holy day or even a simple day when your child loses their first tooth or starts school, you’ll have ideas for making memories. Many reproducible tags and invitations are included in the index section to make it user friendly. A $10 Walmart gift card will accompany an autographed copy of this book to purchase some supplies for celebrating.

enjoy!

practicing hospitality

I am almost finished with "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver.  LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!  I won't go into a lot of description since I've still got two chapters to go but I wanted to share with you her insight on hospitality.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  -- 1 Peter 4:9


1.  Never clean before company.  Instead, try to clean on schedule and clean up as you go, so you'll always e ready for unexpected guests.  (And we all know that happens often!)

2.  Keep the emphasis o welcome, not performance.  The purpose of hospitality is to open your arms to others, not to impress them.  It's better to keep things simple and warm than to go overboard.  (I need to plaster this to the inside of my eyelids)

3.  Do as much ahead of time as possible.  Plan ahead for hospitality - even cook ahead.  Karen says, "Hard work indicates I'm not managing my time well, not planning or preparing ahead, doing too much, not being dependent on the Lord's strength, but on my own.  (I'm "pinning" a bunch of bake and freeze recipes to my boards for easy prep when I don't have time to cook.  Follow me!)

4.  Include little touches of beauty.  A few candles and a jar of daisies picked from the yard can make grilled cheese a gourmet delight.  And they help hide the grease stains on the tablecloth as well.  (I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can plant flowers again)

5.  Use all the help that comes your way.  When someone offers to help, say yes!  Many hands make less work - and sharing he labor can be a great opportunity for fellowship.  (This is something I know I have to work on)

6.  Keep records.  Karen has files of easy recipes and creative entertaining tips.  Other women keep records of the guests and what was served.  I've found that to-do lists organize my scattered thoughts and help me focus my energy more productivity.  (Now if only I could find a way to organize my to-do lists!)

Happy Thursday Everyone!  Let the entertaining this weekend begin!!

read of the week: the three martini playdate

My good friend (The Turquoise Penguin) got me this short read over Christmas.  The Three Martini Playdate by Christie Mellor is a great break from all of the of the other pregnancy information I am aquiring.  Christie's point of view is to love your children but don't let them take over your lives.  Literally, she calls them a "hobby" (all in good fun though).  There is still room for a girls night every now and then and you don't have to listen to children's music 24/7.  Some of her advice is a bit exaggerated.  Such as, teach your children to serve cocktails at your next get together.  (Sounds like a great idea but I'm sure child protective services would come knocking) Its hilarious yet even through all her exaggerations there are some good pointers.  I think I read this at just the right time.  Pregnancy seems to be consuming my life with all the information you need to know to have a little one.  Her advice... take it as it comes and live life with a martini in hand.

Thanks again Abby!!