Reflecting back on the week...

...we've had seven days of fasting television and eating out, and it's been a really great experience so far. It's so amazing how much more you can get done in the week when there isn't the distraction of Hannah Montana or Fox News.

It's been great getting refocused as a family and spending that extra time together with things like game night (Scrabble Slam is a blast) or just an extra 30 minutes at the table after dinner just killing time talking, laughing and telling stories. (I Love My "Giggle Girls")
Not eating out hasn't been too hard this week either but, I'll admit, cooking is always a challenge for me. These next few weeks will be the true test of my endurance. I really wish I was one of the wonderful women who cook all their family's meals, and I'll even go one step farther to say that I wish I was a "make it from scratch" kind of girl. But alas, I'm an "at least twice a week lets go out and have Mexican or cheeseburgers" kind of mom.

Some of the most recent blogs that I have been following are these awesome mothers who really and truly enjoy the art of cooking. For instance, The Pioneer Woman has just recently advertised her new cookbook that is coming out in October. First of all, this woman is hysterical and my whole family enjoys her blogs. I've even caught Daryn reading it on his own and wiping laughter tears from his eyes. Two words, "Juice Bag!" (check it out for yourself, if you don't laugh just stop reading now LOL). She has some of the prettiest food I've ever seen. Take a look around her site and you'll see what I mean.

There is Aunt Ruthie from The Sugarpie Farmhouse who, at least in my imagination, does all her cooking and cleaning with her pearls on. I love the emphasis on making your house "a home" and loving place to bring up your family. She's quite the decorator too, but again it all goes back to the roots of home cooking and family time.
I've also found The Country Blossom to be a place of true inspiration. She's a Christian homeschooling mom who clearly takes true joy in tending to her family. She loves to make things from scratch like pretzels, noodles, biscuits and peach butter. I get so hungry every time I read her blog! Sometimes I just turn the music from her site on and it makes me feel all warm and cozy and wishing I was living in the country sitting by a fire eating real food LOL. Don't these pretzels look so yummy? This blogging thing is very new to me, but already I've been inspired by so many great women who have that entrepreneurial spirit to get things done, help provide for their families and most importantly, who's faith shines through it all. I realize I may not be the greatest cook, but I'm still in good company. So as a continuation of caring for my family, I intend on trying some new things like making noodles from scratch (I can hear the applause from my husband now) and a possible pie (ed. note--pecan, maybe?). I would so appreciate the encouragement along this journey but as for now, thank you all for your great inspiration and God Bless.