Eighteen Things That I Want To Do In 2018

I realize that we're over halfway through the month of January, but that's okay, isn't it? HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎆🎉🎇

(What I didn't realize, until I went over to schedule this post, was that it would be posting on the 18th! How cool is that??? '18 Things in 2018 on the 18th!!!) 😄

I first got the idea of "Eighteen Things in 2018" from my friend and fellow blogger, Jean, of So Not Organized. I was inspired as I read through Jean's post 2018:Eighteen Things I'd Like To Do This Year. I asked Jean if she'd mind me using her idea to write a similar post. She assured me that she did not mind in the least, so, here it is... (Thanks, Jean!!!)

18 Things I Want To Do In 2018

1. Read (at least) 18 books
2. Go out of town or do something special to celebrate my husband and I's 30th wedding anniversary
3. Welcome two new grandbabies into the world
4. Do one thing each month towards getting ready for Christmas 2018
5. Pay off that last credit card (it's been a 15+ year journey, but we're almost there!)
6. Guard my heart from negativity and drama
7. Attend the 2018 Victory Campaign in Branson
8. Post a Happy Homemaker Monday Post every Monday
9. Plant a vegetable garden
10. Walk (at least) 365 miles (a mile a day)
11. Get rid of 18 things we don't truly enjoy/use each month (4 or 5 things per week)
12. Turn the Van Gogh room into a functioning office and prayer closet
13. Get pull blinds and lace curtains for livingroom windows
14. Finish the unit that I'm currently on in Rhema plus one more (that will leave only one before graduation)
15. Create a moon garden in the backyard (this has been on my list for quite a while)
16. Complete a 1940's WWII Rationing Challenge
17. Lose 30 pounds
18. Clean off and reorganize the back porch

Well...that's it! Once my mind got to rolling I thought of several more things that I could have added, but in keeping with the "18 Things" idea, I'll stop here. Perhaps I'll save my other ideas and write a "19 Things in 2019" post. 😆

So, what about you? What are some things that you'd like to do in 2018? Feel free to share some of your thoughts or ideas in a comment below or, better yet, share the link to your own "18 Things" post!

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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Good Afternoon, Sweet Ladies!

We're two weeks into our Dollar S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Clearing, Clean-Up-The-Food Project for January 2018 and, while things aren't going quite as we expected them to, we're managing to stay pretty well on track with our original plan. 

One thing that we didn't expect was to be blessed with additional food items from several different sources (which isn't a bad thing at all!!!), but, even at that, I'm managing to work the items received into our current plan. For instance, one friend blessed us with a couple packages of Italian sausage and another gave me a bag of odds and ends out of a box of organic vegetables she had received. I just happened to have homemade pizza on the menu plan for the following evening. So, I threw one package of the Italian sausage in the freezer and cooked the other one up to go on the pizza. In addition, I added the fresh mushrooms, half onion, and half pepper out of the bag of organic vegetables. The plain cheese pizza that I had planned on making turned into a fully decked supreme without any additional cost. It was awesome! And, being as the pizza was fully-loaded and quite hardy (and in an attempt to stretch it out) I put the leftover slices in single-serve bags in the freezer and that one pizza is slated to do us for four meals instead of just one or two. Any non-perishable or frozen items that have come in will be passed along to others or be used by us after we get past the month of January and our current plan.

John and I went to the store again yesterday (this time to purchase a few fresh items and prepare for upcoming family gatherings and celebrations) and, I think, finished up everything we will need through the rest of the month. On this trip we spent $40.88 at Aldi's and $83.33 at Walmart, which, again, is more than I wanted to spend on food, but, with everything we've got coming up between now and the end of the month, that's not bad at all. And, other than the fresh items that we were low on, or out of, none of the other items will figure into regular meal planning for the month of January...so...it's all good on that front! 😉

Another thing that we had planned on doing all along, but not necessarily right now at this moment, was to go in on some bison with a friend from work. Since we were low on meat anyway, we figured now was as good a time as any since we had already put back the cash for it, so we did. We picked up our meat this afternoon! And, once again, we were blessed as we ended up with more meat than expected for the same amount of $$$. Praise the Lord! And blessings on our friend!

I've pretty much managed to stay on-plan with my menu planning again this week (my weekly menus may be viewed in my weekly Happy Homemaking Monday posts). In fact, I don't think I've gotten off track at all, thus far. I am going to try to not go to the store again this month until the very end of the month when I take my friend and cousin to do their shopping. At that point I will go ahead and buy ahead for February, while staying on track through the 31st to finish out January's menu plans.

Well, Ladies, that's it for Week #2!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
and all the sweet ladies of Happy Homemaking Monday!

Good Morning, Sweet Ladies! Happy MONDAY! 💗

I pray that everyone reading this post had a wonderful weekend and is pumped up, ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead in the week before us! I know I am!

Last week I pretty much managed to stay on track in most areas and am hoping that the momentum continues. I got the program totes gone through and organized, and, in the process, I pulled out stuff used in past programs that I can use again in ones that are coming up. That was a huge job, but it's done and I'm thankful! And the Van Gogh room looks AMAZING right now! 😲🌻🌟💓

Let's get started, shall we?

Right now I am...

Finishing up my breakfast and enjoying a cup of hot tea as I write this post. (Actually, I started working on it yesterday afternoon and am just finishing up the last minute details this morning.)

On the breakfast plate...

Cinnamon-apple oatmeal (old-fashioned oats cooked with a whole, small apple chopped up in it, a tablespoon or so of unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, and stevia) and a steaming cup of plain, black tea

The weather...

We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning! We woke up to snow yesterday morning, too, but most of it had melted off by evening. This fresh batch overnight brought us 3 or 4 inches of the fluffy white stuff and all the trees are outlined in it. It's so beautiful outside! (In fact, I'm thinking of heading out to the park to see if I can locate some snowy-backed bison to photograph this morning!) Snow chances continue through the rest of the morning hours, then just cold. The forecast shows a high of 31 degrees today, but, when you check the hourly, it's showing a high of 20 degrees this afternoon with an overnight low of 0 degrees and wind chills in the -10 to -20 range...so...back in the deep-freeze we go. The long-range forecast shows a couple of super cold days, then highs in the 30's, 40's, and 50's from there on out. Anyway we go, spring is on the way, so praise the Lord! (This is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Amen?)

On my reading pile...

I finally finished reading A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George and, after telling you ladies for weeks how much I love this book, I must say, while the first part of the book was pretty much the same as it had always been (only minor changes and updates had been made here and there), the last two chapters really took me by surprise and left me totally disappointed...the next-to-the-last one especially.

While some scripture was sprinkled throughout, the entire text was filled with fear-producing unbelief. I was left with the feeling that Elizabeth George believes that seeking counsel from people within a church body takes precedence over searching the scriptures (seeking God's advice through His Word was suggested "in addition" to finding it from people in a church) and that, whether in her 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's or beyond there is no good season to a woman's life. 

In fact, in the final chapter of the updated and expanded version of A Woman After God's Own Heart, Elizabeth begins by saying, "I don't know about you, but I realize that the reality check we've just been through could be discouraging. It could be a real downer, even the beginning step toward slipping into depression if we aren't careful..." WHAT?!?!? 😨

I'm sorry, but the "reality" that Mrs. George referred to in this statement is so far removed from my own reality, and the reality experienced by the women within my own family and sphere of influence, that it isn't even funny! She doesn't even sound like the same person that wrote the earlier chapters of this book! 

Unfortunately, it appears that Elizabeth George has succumbed to the worldliness, pseudo-psychology, and religiosity that is found so prevalent within the modern church of our day, 

Sadly, this book that used to mean so much to me...a book that challenged and encouraged me for decades to keep pressing in and keep pressing on...inviting and inspiring me to be all that God created me to be as "a woman after God's own heart"...has suddenly left me with a very bad taste in my mouth. 

As I have done dozens of times in the past, I will no longer be gifting women with this book and I, certainly, won't be encouraging women to read it. I was really saddened and surprised (more like shocked) by the additions to this book and the changes that have taken place in Elizabeth George's view of reality as she has aged. It's very disheartening. 😞

Tongues: Beyond The Upper Room by Kenneth E. Hagin
Life in the Spirit Study Bible - King James Version

As for my other areas of reading, in addition to my daily Bible-reading schedule and individual study, I am down to the final few chapters of Tongues: Beyond The Upper Room by Kenneth E. Hagin. I am still determined to completely finish it before delving into the next books and study materials on my list.

On the menu this week...

Another week and we're still managing to stay on track with our Dollar S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Clearing, Clean-Up-The-Food Project For January 2018. I will do an update on our progress a little later in the week. As we head into the third week, here's the plan for this week's menus...

Monday - Breakfast - apple-cinnamon oatmeal
               Lunch - leftover homemade pizza
               Supper - skillet cheesy chicken and veggie "rice"

Tuesday - Breakfast - cottage cheese on sprouted toast
               Lunch - chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwich
               Supper - salmon, roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts

Wednesday - Breakfast - egg, sliced turkey, and cheese on toast
                    Lunch - leftover homemade pizza
                    Supper - stuffed pepper casserole

Thursday - Breakfast - THM pancakes with blueberries and yogurt
                 Lunch - leftover chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwich
                 Supper - meatloaf, smashed potatoes, and roasted veggies

Friday - Breakfast - THM pancakes with blueberries and yogurt
            Lunch - leftover stuffed pepper casserole
            Supper - salmon, baked potatoes, green fryes

Saturday - Breakfast - THM pancakes with blueberries and yogurt
                Lunch - homemade macaroni and cheese
                Supper - leftovers

Sunday - Breakfast - cottage cheese on sprouted toast
              Lunch - leftovers
              Supper - chili and crackers

Snacks throughout the week may include smoothies, fresh fruit (apples or oranges), cereal, or popcorn

On my 'to do' list...

- Monday - Plan the week ahead ✅, do weekly "home blessing" ✅, do laundry ✅
- Tuesday - Rest, relax, and work on little individual projects that need tended to
- Wednesday - Present "Birds of a Feather" library program at local library x 2 
- Thursday - Run errands with dh
- Friday - Work
- Saturday - Co-host baby shower for youngest son and d-i-l (am taking the day off at work)
- Sunday - Church; cousin's get-together

In the craft basket...

Peanut butter pinecone birdfeeders (preparation for library program)

Looking forward to this week...

Getting together with family and friends at the baby shower and getting together with my cousins and their families for an evening of food and fun

From the camera...

I just now took this picture looking out our front door. It is a view of the field across from our house. As I look at it, I can't help but think how much it looks like a scene that Andrew Wythe might have painted. I am posting an example of what I'm talking about below.

The Field Across From Our House

An Andrew Wythe Painting

Scripture passage...

Well, Ladies, that's it for this week! I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed week ahead and that all goes well for you and yours in every area of life!

Until Next Time...
~Rebecca

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Good Morning, Sweet Ladies!

We're one week into our Dollar S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Clearing, Clean-Up-The-Food Project for January 2018 and so far, so good!

My husband and I did end up going to the store last Thursday to pick up a few things...mostly stuff that we were out of and a few things needed to round out what food we have on hand to make into complete meals (we hadn't been to a store since December 26th). We ended up spending $37.05 at Aldi's and $81.53 at Walmart, which is much more than I wanted to, but, we were out of several things that are normally staples for us (olive oil, salmon, garlic, yogurt, cashew milk, etc)...BUT...like the olive oil? It was a BIG bottle. The salmon? A family-size package. So, for the most part, the stuff that we bought...the big ticket items anyway...will last well into next month and/or beyond.

Thus far, I've managed to stay on-plan with my menus (my weekly menus may be viewed in my weekly Happy Homemaking Monday posts) and everything is good. I am going to try to not go to the store again this month except to purchase the items I will need for a couple of upcoming get-togethers that we are hosting mid- to late-month. I'm sure I'll need a few things for them that I do not have on hand at this time.

Well, it's not much, but that's Week #1's update!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
and all the sweet ladies of Happy Homemaking Monday!

Good Morning, Sweet Ladies! Happy Monday! 💗

I pray that this post finds you healthy, happy, and serving the Lord with gladness! How is everyone?

I'm doing well here. I jumped in with both feet a week ago determined to make progress in multiple areas and, while I've not accomplished everything that I would like to have in some areas, progress has, indeed, been made and I am thankful!

For one thing, I started walking again. I used to walk several miles a week, but since losing my dad in May of 2016 I've kind of pulled back and not done too much of anything that would be good for me and it's catching up with me. No more! After diligently seeking the Lord's will for my life in all of this, my goal-setting this year includes doing specific things that, if followed, will lead to fitness in every area...physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial...and baby steps count. I feel better already just getting a plan in place and knowing that, with the Lord's help, I'm getting things turned around and headed in a different direction. I can't wait to see what wonderful things are in store for 2018!

Well...let's get started, shall we?

Right now I am...

Finishing breakfast and enjoying a cup of hot tea while I finish this post. 

On the breakfast plate...

Cottage cheese on sprouted toast and plain, black tea

The weather...

Right now it's 34 degrees and hazy, but the sun is breaking through the fog and we're supposed to get up to a high of 44 this afternoon. 52 tomorrow; SIXTY-TWO on Wednesday! Woo-hoo! We will certainly enjoy that!


On my reading pile...

A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
Tongues: Beyond The Upper Room by Kenneth E. Hagin
Life in the Spirit Study Bible - King James Version

I finally finished Greater Health God's Way by Stormie Omarian this past week, but am still working on A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George, as well as Tongues: Beyond The Upper Room by Kenneth E. Hagin. I am determined to finish both of these books before moving on to the next book and study on my list.

Additionally at this time, although I'm done reading the book and viewing the DVD's and listening to the CD's that came with it, I'm going back through Your 10-Day Spiritual Action Plan for Overcoming Stress, Anxiety, & Depression by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and am writing out all the scriptures that really ministered to me in this area. I will use those for memorization and to paste up in areas where I will see them and speak them out loud.

As for reading-through-the-Bible-in-a-year, I've decided to go ahead and keep at it again this year, in addition to the other things that I am (and will be) studying. The truth is, it only takes a few extra minutes to do and the value of taking in the scriptures is immeasurable. The key is to not allow the reading-through be all there is. Daily study of the holy scriptures, as well as quality time before the Lord are mandatory if spiritual growth is to take place.

On the menu this week...

So far we've managed to stay on track with our Dollar S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Clearing, Clean-Up-The-Food Project For January 2018. I will do an update on our progress a little later in the week. As we head into the second week, here's the plan and this time I am including breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas, as well as my supper plans...

Monday - Breakfast - cottage cheese on sprouted toast
               Lunch - out 
               Supper - leftover stuffed pepper casserole, beets

Tuesday - Breakfast - oatmeal or farina
                Lunch - leftover zucchini noodles, sauce, meatballs, and French bread
                Supper - chicken tenders, oven roasted potatoes, and roasted carrots

Wednesday - Breakfast - egg white omelet with turkey sausage patty
                    Lunch - leftover sweet potato and oat soup with sprouted bread
                    Supper - salmon, sauteed zucchini, and green fryes

Thursday - Breakfast - cinnamon apple swirl muffins with yogurt
                 Lunch - tamales, rice, and beans
                 Supper - skillet cheesy chicken with veggie rice

Friday - Breakfast - Trim Healthy Mama pancakes with blueberries and yogurt
            Lunch - leftover sweet potato and oat soup with sprouted bread
            Supper - salmon, potatoes, and green beans

Saturday - Breakfast - Trim Healthy Mama pancakes with blueberries and yogurt
                Lunch - leftover sweet potato and oat soup with sprouted bread
                Supper - homemade pizza

Sunday - Breakfast - cottage cheese on sprouted toast
              Lunch - leftovers
              Supper - leftovers

Snacks throughout the week may include smoothies, fresh fruit (apples or oranges), cereal, or popcorn

On my 'to do' list...

- Monday - plan the week ahead, take a friend shopping, drop clothes off at the second hand shop, do weekly "home blessing", do laundry
- Tuesday - make food and take to friends who have lost family members, get together with my friend, Carla, find paint samples for an upcoming program at work
- Wednesday - go through and organize program totes and work on setting up office
- Thursday - run errands with dh
- Friday - Work
- Saturday - Work
- Sunday - Church 

In the craft basket...

Nothing at the moment.

Looking forward to this week...

Wishing our youngest daughter and our youngest daughter-in-law a very blessed and "Happy Birthday"! 🍰🎈🎉

From the camera...

Snowy-Backed Bison at Prairie State Park
Please note that I did not take this photo. It was
taken by a friend a couple of years back

Scripture passage...

Well, Ladies, that's it for this week! I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed week ahead and that all goes well for you and yours in every area of life!

Until Next Time...
~Rebecca

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Greeting, Dear Friends!

Well...here it is...the 3rd of the month and we're finally ready to kick-off our "Dollar-S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Clearing, Clean-Up-The-Food" project for January 2018 and I'm excited!!! Our goal this time is to spend as little money as possible on food this month and use the extra to go in on the final push towards debt freedom. The end is near!

On Tuesday my husband and I took a complete inventory of food on-hand. We recorded every single food item under the appropriate heading in a notebook: canned goods, pantry items, fresh foods, refrigerator, and freezer. Surprisingly what we found wasn't nearly as bad as we thought it was going to be. We figured after the holidays we'd have a lot of junky-type stuff laying around, but we didn't! 

What we discovered was that, compared to usual, we had very little meat (3 pounds of turkey burger, a pound of sliced deli turkey, a half dozen turkey sausages, and a bag of chicken tenders), a freezer mostly full of dried beans, frozen fruit and vegetables (peaches, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and zucchini) and grains (oats, farina, cracked wheat, almond flour, oat bran, wheat germ, etc.), an ample supply of canned goods (fruits, vegetables, chili beans, black beans, chicken, tuna, and salmon), and fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, oranges, onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumbers)...but no junk! Being careful through the holidays not to overspend or, for the most part, make more than was needed at any one point paid off. What holiday leftovers we did have ended up being shared with neighbors and/or eaten and cleaned up right away. 

We've not been to the grocery store since the 26th of December and are out of a few staples that will be needed to turn what we do have into complete meals, so we will, most likely, do that tomorrow. 

I did manage to get my menus planned out through Sunday and, for those that are interested, have updated them in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday post. 

Well, Ladies, that's the kick-off report! My plan is to update our progress on a weekly basis. Pray for me to have wisdom, creativity, fortitude, and self-control in the days ahead. I really, REALLY want to have another successful 

Dollar-S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, Cabinet-Clearing, Clean-Up-The-Food Project!

Thank you all so much for joining me in this journey!

Until next time,
~Rebecca

Happy Homemaker Monday - January 1, 2018

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