What I'm Reading

 I'm currently reading this book entitled Sensible Shoes.  Several months ago, I attended a book signing where the author spoke about another book in this series so, of course, I picked up all three books in the series to read.  It is book about 4 women from different walks in life and with different backgrounds who sign up for a Bible Study at a retreat center where they strive to learn more about God - a true Spiritual Journey.  I started reading this book right after I got it but found that it was a little heavy for me at the time - it is a book I actually have to be able to concentrate on as I read because it has some deeper meanings in it as well as to keep the characters straight as it jumps from person to person.  Now that I'm a good way into it, though, I find that it is an enjoyable read and I love seeing the characters change and grow.  One of the analogies that I really connected with is connected to the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.  In life, we all have wells that we can chose to drink from but they don't offer a true refreshing drink.  As the author wrote of one of the characters, "She had drawn from the well of material possessions, but that well was filled with salt water, making her crave more and more.  She had drawn from the well of approval and acceptance, but that well was unpredictable.  She never knew if there would be water or not, and even when she managed to draw some out, her bucket leaked.  She couldn't hold it.  It didn't last."  Just that idea really struck me because it's true!  I struggle with wanting more (material possessions) but it really is like salt water because if you get a new car, it isn't long before you want a bigger house, or a new toy, ect.  Learning to be content and instead focus on Jesus is really the only true "water source".

One of the things I enjoy about this book is that it is a fiction book but there are some great Biblical truths to grasp onto as well.  There are also some devotional pages through out at the end of sections in the book (I will admit, I have skipped those as I just want to read!)

Creative Memories

If you have followed this blog for long, you know that I love scrapbooking.  A few years ago (more like 4-5) I was a Creative Memories consultant but couldn't keep up with the requirement of ordering.  It wasn't long before the business when under and we all waiting not very patiently for what would be next.  It's quite a long story but the business came back under new ownership and the ability to be a "consultant" is super easy.  There are no requirements - the more you sell (or buy yourself) the bigger the discount you receive.  Since I was already spending money, I decided to sign up and save a little money.  I thought I'd share a few of my favorite products and also a link to my "page".  If you are in need of supplies, I'd love for you to order using me as your consultant and help me earn a little income along the way too!

Besides the albums and pages which are by far my ultimate favorite thing, here are few other things that I love.

The Border maker set. It sells for $33.50 and is a great deal.  It comes with three cartridges up front and then there are many more to chose from plus they are always coming out with new ones for $16.50 each.  I try to watch for the cartridges that are going to be discontinued and buy them before they are gone. 

I also love these punches - they make awesome borders and you can layer them to make everyone different. These sell for $26.50.

Feel free to check out my page at

https://www.creativememories.com/user/jackiekoll

How I Minamalize - A step at a time

If you have been reading my blog for long, you know that I am constantly working on Minamalizing our home.  I don't enjoy clutter but in a small house it is a constant challenge to get rid of things yet keep what we need and love.  It's hard to find homes for things when there isn't much room and, often, being creative with storage equals needing to buy things and yet we also try to spend as little as possible.  Yep, it creates a circle that is hard to break so things pile up!  Throw in the fact that we homeschool so we need to use space for that too, well, things are often tight around here!  I'm hoping to share not only some before and after photos of what is being accomplished but also to share some articles and ideas that work for me!  Everyone home is different; every person is different - so, obviously, ever plan needs to be different too!

No Mad'er How Far shares some more great ideas.  Not all of 12 struggles apply to me but the over all concept is a good read when you are trying to figure out where to start.  

Something Yummy - Raspberry Lemonade Punch

Raspberry Lemonade Punch
from my niece, Alicia Miller

When we visited in Ohio over the 4th weekend, my niece made this simple punch that was so refreshing and super easy to make!  I picked up the supplies to make it for dinner at my in-laws and then again on the 4th of July for our cookout.  It is super tasty and there are lots of tweaks you could make to it to change it up too. 

1 can of frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate (leave it frozen to add a slight slushy mix in the punch.)

1 bottle of cold 7-up

Slices of lemon and strawberries (you could add raspberries or blackberries too!)

Ice cubes as needed

Just mix everything together and enjoy!

Scripture Sunday

Our Week in Photos #3

 Our week was filled with trips, family fun, holidays, swimming, library fun and fireworks!

We started our week with a trip to Ohio for a family get together.  The boys absoluly love family so get togethers like this are precious especially since we see many of these family members only once or twice a year.

Before returning back home, we stopped by my dad's spot (as I call it).  We always stop when we are in town so that we can make sure his stone is clean.  The boys also like to water the flowers.  It is Nate's ministry to water all of the flowers in the surrounding area.  It's such a little thing but yet it brings a lot of joy to the boys to do something like this.

 The boys love swimming in the lake

 We had fun being part of the boat parade

 The boys worked on their Kayak skills

We spent the evening of July 3rd at my in-laws where the boys got to swim, ride the boat, play with fireworks and we ended the night back on the boat watching some fireworks over the lake.

July 4th, we spent the day at home and then at the campground.  We enjoyed a few hours in the pool and then had a cookout at my mom's camper.  Of course, I had to get photos of Molly too!

 The boys were the first to arrive so they got to help set-up all of the cups

Wednesday was full of fun!  We attended another Library event - this one brought the fun of stacking cups.  The leader had cups for all of the kids and they got to stack them and then work as teams to build a variety of buildings like a castle, a pyarmid and more.  Later, we went to town and the boys got to FINALLY get a Fidget Spinner.  Not just one either.  They picked out three each.  It made up for them thinking they were the only kids in the world without one ;-)

The rest of our week included swimming, a trip to the library and . .. . more swimming!!!

Weekly Menu - the one where I keep it simple

The last two weeks were busy and we had lots of stuff going on.  This week calms down slightly and we get to eat at VBS a few times which is fine by me!

Here's are plan for the coming week:

Friday - Pizza Hut.

Saturday - BBQ Cups and Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Sunday - We will keep it simple after church and just have easy enchaladas.  Tonight is the first night of VBS so we get to eat at the school before the events begin.

Monday - VBS :-) (This is a little risky with kids because if they don't like it . . ..now what?  Which is why I always carry a Peanut butter sandwich for each kid! )

Tuesday - VBS

Wednesday - VBS

Thursday - Now I have to cook again!  Chicken on the grill, Corn on the cob, and baked beans

How's that for an easy week?