Thrift Thursday: Thrift Envy!

Last week while visiting my family, my mom and I headed to the Chana Barn sale.  This sale draws a very interesting crowd and it was fun to watch people in action.  They host the sale every Tuesday all year round and auction everything from chickens (yes real live clucking chickens) to furniture to designer  knock-off purses.

I just had to share about my mom's amazing find.  

Her gem made me very jealous for several reasons.  

1. the price and 2. its potential.

So here she is...We will call her Alice. 

 Alice is actually a Stow and Davis Credenza.  

My mom is going to use Alice as a buffet in her dining room.

And the best part...Alice only cost $8.  

No you don't need to adjust your computer screen...and no I am not missing a zero.  

EIGHT DOLLARS.
Isn't she Fabulous!
(there are two drawers that go in the right and left openings.)

Toddler Tuesday: No Mess Sponge Painting

For those of you who own a toddler (I know sounds like I am talking about a car). Anyway, for those of you who own a toddler, you have most likely yearned for the days when your child will stop sticking everything in his/her mouth!  That is totally where I am at!  Logan is now 18 months old and he still wants to stick disgusting stuff in his mouth all the time.  I have found it very difficult to do activities like painting or even coloring for fear of Logan eating the paint or crayons.  Well, I found a painting project that is NO MESS!  And it keeps Logan from eating the paint. =)

No Mess Painting Project

What you need:

-Dishwashing sponge-cut into a few pieces

-Washable paints

-Gallon size Zip-loc bag

-plain white paper

-paper plate

Instructions:

Start by putting the paint on a paper plate and dipping sponges into the paint.

(We didn't have exciting colors this time since we were testing the project out.)

Next, I wrote on each piece of paper before I stuck it in the baggie. 

If using computer paper you will have to fold the paper to make it fit

Then toss in the sponges.

Next, give it to your toddler and let him squish with his hands...

Or his feet... (as Caleb prefers)

And Voila! A fun painting project and Logan didn't even lick the paint!

Menu Monday: Sept. 26-Oct. 2

Hello!  I am back after an unexpected break in blogging.  I hope you find this plan helpful!  check back tomorrow for Toddler Tuesday: No Mess sponge painting!

Monday

Breakfast: Peek-a-boo Window Toast-Logan's favorite

Lunch: Morning Star Black Bean burgers over Cous Cous and sautéed veggies (eggplant and zucchini)

Dinner: Chili-this cold day needs some warmth

Snacks: Nectarine, Yogurt with homemade granola

Tuesday

Breakfast: Cereal and a Banana

Lunch: Roast beef sandwiches, carrot sticks and chips

Dinner: Stuffed Shells, french bread

Snacks: apple, veggies and hummus

Wednesday

Breakfast: Oatmeal 

Lunch: Salad

Dinner: Baked Salmon, Steamed Broccoli, brown rice

Snacks: Carrot sticks with homemade hummus, grapes

Thursday

Breakfast: PB Toast with Banana

Lunch: L.O. chili or shells

Dinner: Meat Loaf, Corn on the Cob (it is the last week we can get it!!), Oven Roasted Potatoes

Snacks: Smoothie, Crackers and cheese

Friday

Breakfast: French Toast Bake 

Lunch: LO

Dinner: Grilled Chicken salad

Snacks: yogurt

Saturday

Breakfast: Cereal with dried cranberries

Lunch/Dinner: L.O.

Sunday

Breakfast: Clif Bar

Lunch: Out with Family

Dinner: Taco Chicken Bowls

Wednesday Weigh-in: Intentional Positioning

After last Wednesday's post, I had an overwhelming response from supporters and other women who felt the very same way I do.  Please know that I am praying for each of you who responded or who didn't respond but can relate to what is happening in my life.  Thanks for your support and prayers for me!

So let's weigh-in...

As I continue to dive deeper into Made to Crave, I am both inspired and convicted, in the very same breath.  I am inspired by Lysa's willingness to be so real with her readers.   She addresses some key issues for women and provides some truly healthy ways to battle those issues without being too cheesy or too preachy.  

When I got to chapter 6 of the book, I was really forced to take a good look at myself.  Lysa says, "Being ruled by something other than God diminishes our commitment and will make us feel increasingly distant from Him."  (and this is where I feel convicted!)

Okay, so I want you to think about what that something is for you.  Is it food?  Is it alcohol?  Is it your job?  Is it spending too much money?  Is it the loss of a loved one?  What is the something in your life that diminishes your commitment (faith) and creates distance between you and God?

That something for me is ME.  I am totally consumed by poor self-esteem, what others think of me and my less than perfect body.  I am also consumed by the guilt of not getting back into shape after having Logan.  So much so, that some days I only think about how horrible I look or how horrible other people must think I look.  I know, this is very unhealthy thinking.  Made to Crave, has helped me realize that what I am consuming is what I am craving.  And what I am craving is unhealthy!

But there is hope...

As I continue to read God's word and other resources, I am understanding, the more I fill up with negative thoughts about myself, the more I focus on just that, myself.   And each time I wallow in the pain of my circumstances without inviting God to carry my burdens, I push my relationship with Him further and further away.

This journey is teaching me to position my heart towards God.  This is what Lysa calls "intentionally positioning ourselves to experience God."   I hope and pray that you will see a change in me as I set out to intentionally position myself to experience the goodness and the grace of God.

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. "  

Philippians 3:13-15

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

Philippians 3:20-21

Please keep praying for the women who will be studying with me in October!  

It is going to be a great Journey!!

Toddler Tuesday: This one is for Aunt Jenna!

So I had a very busy day and don't have time to post about our painting fun but I will add it to Thursday's post.  We will post one of Logan's favorite videos for your enjoyment.  This one goes out to Auntie Jenna!

Menu Plan: September 12th-September 18th

This week I am trying to focus on using in-season fresh produce!  I found a great website that has a Midwest Seasonal Food Chart.  Check it out!!

Monday

Breakfast: Smoothies and Toast with PB

Lunch: Grilled chicken over Spinach salad

Dinner: Potato Soup

Snacks: Nectarine, Yogurt with homemade granola

Tuesday

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms

Lunch: Bean and cheese quesadillas

Dinner: SUSHI!!  (out to dinner)

Snacks: Pear, Almonds

Wednesday

Breakfast: Oatmeal 

Lunch: Tomato Sandwich and veggies

Dinner: Chicken Enchiladas (use extra grilled chicken from Monday's salad)

Snacks: Carrot sticks with homemade hummus, grapes

Thursday

Breakfast: PB Toast with Banana

Lunch: L.O.  Enchiladas

Dinner: Crockpot Lasagna and homemade Italian bread-(dusting off the bread maker!)

Snacks: Cucumber slices, Nectarine

Friday

Breakfast: French Toast Bake

Lunch: Turkey/Roast Beef Sandwiches

Dinner: Homemade Veggie Pizza (pepperoni on Joe's side)

Snacks: yogurt, Smoothies

Saturday

Breakfast: Cereal with dried cranberries

Lunch/Dinner: L.O.

Sunday

Breakfast: Eggs

Lunch: Out with Family/Watching the Bears Game

Dinner: something quick-going to Byron to see my mommy!

{REMIX}

It has been a busy week.  

 Grandma, Magra and Papa came to hear Joe's sermon 

(which you can listen to online by clicking here.)

Logan's, Eric Carle Animal Flash Cards came via 

Amazon Courier Service on a Sunday morning (weird).   

I got them for free by using my Swagbucks!
You can start earning free stuff by signing up below.
 Just scroll down and click on the link on the right hand side of the blog...it says Be the Next Winner!

Logan ate 8 bananas this week.

Speaking of bananas, I bought 6 extra ripe bananas at Dominick's for 24 cents.  So I did what any normal human being would do, I made mini banana muffins.  

There are 2 left...out of 36.  Joe likes mini muffins.  

I have discovered a strong passion for Starbucks VIA Iced Caramel Coffee.  

VIA and I have a date every morning.  It is glorious!

Logan's friend Caleb came over and we had a blast!  Later in the week we met Caleb and his mom at Once Upon A Child and I scored a Gap Vest, Puma shoes, Keen sandals for next summer, and brand new Camo Columbia boots!  All for $28.00. (The retail price on the boots alone is $40.00...Cha Ching!)

I purchased two very ugly bookcases from Joliet Yard Sales. 

I have some big plans for them. 

Oh and you can see my other project in this picture...2 end tables for my mom.  

I just started priming today!

This morning I made a Vegetable Cheese Strata!  It was so good!
Click here for the recipe.

(sidenote...I cut the recipe in half and used asparagus instead of broccoli.)

Tragically, I mourned the loss of 3 very dear friends yesterday.
CBS, ABC and WGN.  

All three channels have decided to vanish from my TV.
The TV just says "Poor Signal Quality".

 I am very sad. 

 What will I do without DWTS, Modern Family and the WGN morning news?  

 And don't worry...your computer screen does not need to be cleaned... the smudges below are on my TV!  Thanks Logan!

And finally, I will leave you with this video.  I bestow upon you a gift that I have had the pleasure of receiving all week long.  Due to the number of times I have seen the following video, my head replays glorious music over and over again!  I hope you enjoy...

Wednesday Weigh-in

Well, as I have previously posted...Wednesdays are my day to "weigh-in".  Today, I am posting about the book I am reading called Made to Crave,  by Lysa TerKeurst.

First, let me give you a little insight to the reason I chose to read the book Made to Crave.  After the birth of my son Logan, I have been slowly working toward getting my life back to ordinary. Well, as much as you can with a very active child running around the house.  Logan, is one of the best blessings I could ever know, however, his presence in our family has completely turned my life upside-down.  I expected this to a certain degree but I have to admit, I was blindsided by the change that took place in our lives after his arrival.

As a result of the major change, I feel like I've lost complete sight of who I am as a person, which has led to some tough moments for me, and for Joe and I as a couple.  One of the things that continually plagues me is this feeling of being uncomfortable in my own skin.  I just don't feel like myself.  I was (and still am) unhappy with the extra padding filling my clothes.  I despise the "I just had a baby" loose skin that found its way to my midsection.  And let's be honest here..."the girls," just aren't the same!

It is for these and several other reasons that I began searching for something that would give me a little boost.  So, I ordered the book.  And it was delivered to my house.  And it sat for months collecting dust. Eventually, I began reading it and let me just tell you, IT IS GREAT!  Not because I have lost a ton of weight and am now perfect, but because Lysa has revealed some truths that have been so healing for me.

Here is where I weigh-in...

In the book, Lysa emphasizes that "we are made for more because we are children of God."

Through this Made to Crave journey, God has revealed to me that I am identifying myself not by my relationship with Him but by my circumstances.  Below is the helpful exercise I did in the book that slapped me upside the head.

Here is how I see myself...
Meghan, a girl with a lumpy, saggy, frumpy body.
Meghan, a has-been, who can't handle anything that comes her way.
Meghan, a girl who uses sarcasm to avoid being vulnerable.
Meghan, a girl who must not be good enough for her husband if her mom wasn't good enough for her Dad.
And the list goes on...

BUT, God sees...
Meghan, the loved child of God. (Ephesians 1:4)
Meghan, the set-free child of God. (Romans 8:1-2)
Meghan, the forgiven child of God. (Romans 3:24)
Meghan, the confident child of God. (Ephesians 3:12)
Meghan, the accepted child of God. (1 Corinthians 1:2)

Isaiah 45:23 says;  "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.  I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."


This is what I learned: God will fight for me if I let him!  That is all I needed to hear at this point in time.

I am loving this study and I hope that others will love it too!  Connect Groups begin on October 2nd and Made to Crave, will meet on Sunday mornings from 9am-10am, at Judson Church.  Please consider joining our group.  If you can't join or don't think it is for you, please pray for the women who will join.

Toddler Tuesday: Educational Resources

My son Logan is 17 months and he is a very energetic little boy who loves to explore.  I am really working on being intentional about filling our days with fun and education to help him get ready for speaking, reading, social skills, etc...  Here are some resources that I have found so far. This is just a small start.  I am really hoping to devote more time to finding and implementing more resources.  I am open to suggestions that people have.  (Mandy-I am sure you have lots of resources on related social development topics.)

1.  zerotothree.org-The Baby Brain Map allows you to explore a baby's brain at various ages.  If you click on a particular place on the map, it reveals questions to find out how a baby's brain develops during a particular period of brain growth.  It also provides information on how to enrich a young child's development.

2. http://notjustcute.com - This blogger posts articles and information about "Whole Child Development."-I have only looked briefly at her blog but have appreciated the posts I have read thus far.

3. http://www.icanteachmychild.com- I Can Teach My Child has a ton of fun educational learning ideas!

4. Handmade Memory Game by Gidget Goes Home- She has a wonderful idea for a homemade memory game that helps kids remember the various people in their lives and works on memory and concentration skills. too cute...now if only I could sew!

Stayed tuned for more to come on this subject as I am learning as I go. =)

Landi Menu Plan: Monday, September 5th-Sunday, September 11th

Recently, I have been feeling pretty lousy and I am convinced it is because I have not been eating very well and my body is revolting. My face has really broken out, I feel tired and sluggish, and I am displeased with the fit of my clothing.  That being said, my menu plans are somewhat tailored to a better healthy eating plan for me and my family.  My biggest focus is adding more fruits and veggies on a regular basis and decreasing my portion sizes.  I love to eat and I am not going just give up the things I love, however, I am going to eat in moderation.  So here is this week's plan...


Monday
Breakfast: French Toast Bake
Lunch: Family BBQ (burgers, fresh green beans, sweet corn)
Dinner: Southwest Salad-field greens tossed with 2T of French dressing, black beans, sweet corn, tortilla strips, chopped tomatoes and bell peppers
Snacks: Mango slices, Almonds, and/or plain Fage yogurt with a fresh strawberries and granola


Tuesday
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms
Lunch:  Tuna salad (made with 1/2 mayo and 1/2 plain yogurt), on bread or crackers, veggies
Dinner: Rigatoni with homemade tomato sauce with mild Italian sausage
Snacks: Wheat thin crackers, grapes, and carrots w/ roasted red pepper hummus

Wednesday
Breakfast: Cereal with dried cranberries
Lunch: Roast Beef Sandwiches with Chipolte Mayo, lettuce and Tomato, on whole wheat bread
Dinner: Chicken Corn Chowder
Snacks: Banana, dried fruit, yogurt

Thursday
Breakfast: Whole wheat Pancakes (plain for me, loaded with syrup for Joe)
Lunch: Salad or leftovers
Dinner: Grilled Salmon and Asparagus over Parmesan Garlic Cous Cous
Snacks: 2 Graham Cracker with PB, Smoothies

Friday
Breakfast: Veggie Strata bake
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: High School Football Game (I will eat a salad before I go-Joe will probably eat a hamburger, hotdog, popcorn, 3 Pepsi's, Starburst, Skittles, and nachos at the game.)

Saturday
Breakfast: Whole Wheat Toast with PB and Banana or leftover Veggie Bake from Friday
Lunch/Dinner: Roasted Tomato and Black Bean Soup

Sundays
Breakfast: Whatever we can fit in before church
Lunch: Out with the family usually
Dinner: finish leftovers and plan next weeks meals

I love Fall!

Fall is coming!  This is Logan last fall!
I can't wait to take pictures with pumpkins this year

As we approach the Fall season, I am super excited!  Fall means a beautiful array of colors, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spiced lattes, Kuiper's Apple Orchard, Edwards Apple Orchard and cool "I can wear a light sweater" weather!

Fall is also bringing very new things for me.  I am attempting to organize my life and family, I am aiming to eat and feel healthier, and I will lead my first Connect Group at Judson beginning in October.  Along with these somewhat new endeavors, I plan to be more faithful and organized in my blog posts.  Here is my plan for the new blog schedule...I hope you enjoy the new look and some updated content.

Mondays-Menu and weekly family plan-I will be sharing recipes and my shopping plan for the week.


Tuesdays-Toddler focus!-Tuesdays are all about my son Logan and our educational journey.


Wednesdays-my Wednesday Weigh-in...not exactly what you think, for I do not own a scale.  However, I will be weighing-in on the book "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst.  This book is the focus of the Connect Group study I will be leading in October.

Thursdays-Thrift finds and other projects.

Fridays-{REMIX} -A picture recap of the our week or other random thoughts.

Saturdays and Sundays- Rest and Relax (meaning no posts) =)