Here are a few of my most memorable blog posts, according to you.
1. Bacon My Way. Laura Church said, I can say without a doubt that the post that sticks with me most is the post you did on how you and your mom like your bacon and sharing the perfect method for getting that perfect crispy slice!
2. The Purpose of the Task.Hannah Mize said, That particular post came on a day when I needed to hear those words more than anything else. Thank you for the reminder that everything that we do should have meaning and if it doesn’t, it can wait.
3. It’s the Little Things.Monica in Millersville, Maryland said, When I read this, I felt that you were so proud and that your heart was so full of love for Claire, that no matter what she brought home — “rocks, sticks, picked flowers” — you knew they were for you and a gift from God. It reminds me of how blessed we ARE and SHOULD BE for the little things in life that have so much meaning through the eyes of a child.
4. What You Just Might Need to Hear. Lori in Pismo Beach, California said, I still have that image as my desktop on my laptop! So often I get so wrapped up in life, I forget what it is all about in the crazy business of family and ministry, but this image is a constant reminder to me to slow down, take it in, and remember. And in remembering, to make memories and not forget what this life is for. To not take every day for granted and as much as is possible, enjoy everything life has to offer, even the chaos.
5. Gratitude: A Family Project.Jessica in Australia said, This is such a brilliant idea to show things you are grateful for, and something sweet you can keep on display. I may not have kids, but I still love the idea of recording what I’m grateful for each days, as it makes you appreciate what you have a lot more.
6. Pretzel Hugs. Lorraine said, I have shared that recipe with many thanks to you. LOVE it! Of course I love your scrapbooking ideas as well but this treat is a keeper!
And HERE is a pretty solid list of my “best of” posts from 2010.
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{ BIG announcement }
I posted a NEW recipe (click here), curtesy of e-Mealz! Okay, okay. So that’s not really big. Yummy, but not big.
This is BIG: We made a decision that I think will make many of you very happy. Read all about it in the Project Life UPDATE here. This is big stuff. : )
One common goal for many of us at the start of a New Year is of course, better health. Betting eating habits. Less sugar. More exercise. Less take-out. More water. Something along those lines … right?
One thing that has helped our family in the past is e-Mealz. I’ve talked about it here before. Many of you heard of it long before I ever did and some of you are already using the service. I’m bringing it up again now for two reasons:
1. Because in our little family, we’ve totally gotten off-track lately with consistently homemade dinners. Holidays, wacky schedules, stress, feeling slammed with so much to do. Excuses, excuses, excuses. We’re so ready to get back on-track.
2. There is an e-Mealz promotion going on right now that will knock off $2.50 from the already-cheap subscription price. Click HERE to learn more and if you sign up, enter ORGANIZE. This code expires January 31, 2011.
We’re so getting back on e-Mealz. If you’re not familiar with how it works, you’ll learn all about it on their site. For me (and anyone else who uses it), it helps in several areas – budget, weight management, simplifying, and organization.
I know you guys well enough to know you’re going to ask me for this recipe. It was an e-Mealz recipe we made this past Fall but I’m afraid I don’t remember which one, sorry. It involved stir-frying rotisserie chicken and zucchini and red peppers in a little olive oil and we added pine nuts. That’s all I remember. It was delicious.
I also know you’re going to ask me if the kids like the food. Mostly, yes. Our kids are picky eaters like most kids. Yes, they say “ewww” and “ugh!” more than once a week when they see a pile of vegetables on their plate. We’re over it. As we say over and over and over again – You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.
Here’s to more consistently homemade meals. Here’s to sitting around the table each night as a family. Here’s to better health and stronger family ties. Wishing each of you the very best with whatever your goals and resolutions may be.
I have to tell you, reading through all of the comments in the last post was one of my favorite things to do this week. I love getting tiny glimpses into your lives. We have so much in common with each other. And yet – there was a vast contrast between many of the what-I-am-doing-today anecdotes.
Congratulations to Marianne! You were randomly selected to win a 3-month subscription to e-Mealz! Drop us an email at customerservice@beckyhiggins.com and we’ll hook you up. Marianne said, “Today I’m going to have an ultrasound as I’ve found a lump in my breast. I’m extremely nervous & am praying that everything is ok.” Marianne, I pray that you have either received good news or that you’re able to stay strong if the results aren’t ideal .
As for everyone else, here is a code you can use to get a discount on an e-Mealz plan: savemoney. Just click here to learn more about e-Mealz or to get started. Our family is enjoying it so far. I seriously love the break from planning the meals and making the shopping list. Plus, we’re trying new recipes on a regular basis now. And they’re super simple.
This is what we had for dinner last night: Pecan-roasted pork tenderloin. Thoroughly enjoyed it. (Plate adorableness is from Target.)
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Let’s do another giveaway for the weekend, shall we?
Have you ever wanted to makeover your blog but weren’t sure how? Now’s your chance. Crystal Wilkerson & Kristina Proffitt of Blog Designs by Two Happy Mamas have created an online class where they walk you step-by-step through the blog design process. By the end of the class you’ll have a super cute, updated blog that includes all sorts of customized features. And of course, new knowledge to change it whenever you’d like! How’s that for cool?
This new class called Blog Design Basics for Blogger that is going to be launching August 30th at www.jessicasprague.com. To learn more and to see some of their sample blog designs, click here.
PS – I have to mention one of my favorite eye-candy-kind-of-posts ever. Kristina shared a whole bunch of ah-dor-a-ble prints she found on etsy and put them all in one, happy post. I was totally inspired. I think I even mentioned the link on twitter & facebook, but if you’ve got little ones — or need a gift idea — check out her etsy finds here.
Okay, so if you’d like a *free seat* in this cool class, leave your first name and where you live in the comments. A randomly selected winner will be announced on Monday.
Today, I am surprisingly not showing any signs of injuries from last night’s handstand fest with my kids. They were completely amused. Apparently I haven’t done handstands for my kids before? I guess I can check that off my bucket list.
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Today, the little man tried eating breakfast at the bar like a big kid. Is is possible the beloved high chair will soon see its retirement from our kitchen?
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Today, I am all prepped and ready to scrapbook with Porter’s 2nd grade class for the first time. Photos are printed, cardstock pages are printed, pattern paper strips are cut. Check. If you are interested in doing this with your child and his/her class … be sure to grab the free download page templates HERE. All the information is there too.
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Today, I am nibbling on these mint brownies for a friend’s baby shower tonight. The top layer? Melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Divine.
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Today, Silly Bandz are scattered, organized, displayed, and worn in our home. Evidence of what the kids are into these days.
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Today, I am taking my “note-to-self” seriously (from last week). I made a quick sign to put by the doorbell. I don’t need a delivery person interrupting the precious nap time anymore. We’ll see if it works. Want one too? Check out the Free Stuff page and download it for free.
PS – I just remembered my web-designer-brother Andrew came up with a clever little no-soliciting sign a while back that you may also enjoy. Click here.
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What about you? Name one thing that you are up to today.
I will choose someone at random to win a free 3-month subscription to e-Mealz. This is something new for our family lately (based on many of your recommendations) and we really like it so far. Several of you have asked which plan we’re trying. It’s the WalMart Low Carb plan.
I’ll announce a winner on Friday and also share a code for everyone else to get a discount.
The following are notes from individuals and families who have generously donated to my brother's family. There are many others who donated beyond the notes you see below and the ads you see on my blog. We can not thank you enough for your kindness and generosity during this very difficult time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Jonathan -- May god give you strength and courage in the coming months. Enjoy your family. Love you wife and hug your kids. Lean on Him. He can handle it. God Bless.
- Tricia Shelton
May you be surrounded by love, friendship and family in this difficult time.
- The Gourlay Family
Dear Jonathan, Tina and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we have never met, we felt compelled to reach out to you. We hope that through these well wishes you feel loved and cared for. Life is about our families, communities and sharing love with each other. Through Becky's blog, I know that you have a wonderful family. We hope you know that through Becky's web community, you now have many new friends thinking of you. May you find strength in God and from all the prayers said on your behalf.
- anonymous
I wish you all love, peace, courage, and strength for the days ahead. I'll be praying. Be blessed!
- Sandra
You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless!
- Angie Murray
Thank you, Jonathan, for being there to support Becky while she shared her gifts and talents with me through the years, albeit remotely. This small gift is the least I can do to say thank you. God bless you and your family.
- With loving thoughts, Terri C
Although I've never met Jonathan, I have been following Becky's articles, books, and blog for years—even met her once at CKU Orlando. Like so many that Becky has touched, I've always admired the love, unity, and values of your large and beautiful family. I wish you all love, peace, courage, and strength for the days ahead. I'll be praying. Be blessed!
- anonymous
All I can say is that I believe God has heard your call because He certainly placed it on my heart to respond. It was loud and clear. And when He's involved, great things far beyond what you and I can comprehend will occur and I pray that gives you peace today and the days to come.
- Peggy Krantz
May you continue to find peace and comfort knowing you are surrounded by loving family and friends.
- anonymous
My heart is filled with love and pain and gratitude for eternal families as I have read about the challenge your family faces. Please accept my donation as a small token to help ease the significant, and often devastating, monetary burdens that come with this challenge. Thank you for a fine example of strength during the darkest times we face in life - an example that gives courage to others struggling with trials in their lives.
- anonymous
To Jonathan and family - I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
- God bless all of you, Leslie Schmitt
"Praying for you and your family." 1 Peter 5:7
- Kristina Proffitt
I'm praying for you throughout each day and asking God to give each of you the strength, comfort, and peace to get through this enormous trial. May God bless all of you in ways you never could've imagined and may His mighty and healing hand be especially upon you Jonathan.
- Much love, Lisa in Florida
May you continue to find peace and comfort knowing you are surrounded by loving family and friends.
- anonymous
Dear Jonathan and family, Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family. May you know in your hearts that there will always be someone, whether here or above, who will always be with each one of you.
- Maria
Jonathan, his family, friends, and coworkers are all in my prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us- it's very inspiring to see Jonathan's strength through this battle.
- Kristen
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that small voice at the end of the day that says 'I will try again tomorrow' " - Mary Anne Radmacher - The last year has been really difficult for me, but this quote always seems to help. I hope it helps you and your family, as well. Don't forget, miracles really do happen. Hang in there and keep your chin up.
- Love and prayers from NM, Stephanie Taylor
To Jonathan, Tina and your entire family: I wish there were more that I could do to help you. Becky's books have been my favorites since I first read them. Because she shared family photos and stories, I feel like you are all old friends. Good luck and I am sending happy thoughts and sparkly wishes your way!
- Jacki Samolsky
Big hugs and lots of prayers of healing and peace to your whole family.
