Author Archives: Franci

The Weekend is Here

Fisher Price 1980's Place House with little people man in front.
Remember this? It’s my sister-in-law’s and I had the same one when I was little. Our kids love playing with it at their grandparent’s house. By the way, the doorbell still works.

I started off today by spilling a smoothie all over my outfit and had to change clothes two minutes before we left for school drop off. It can only go up from here, right?

We watched a great family movie this week, Oddball on Amazon Prime. It is based on a true story in Australia. It has dogs, chickens, and penguins. A real heartwarming and funny film we all enjoyed.

Early in our marriage, Brent read The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham. It was after a discussion Billy Graham had with his colleagues on how to avoid the many pitfalls of ministry that this quote is found. Although it seems old-fashioned and impossible nowadays we have strived to follow this rule for over 10 years now. It has been awkward and difficult at times, but I’m so thankful for Billy Graham’s example and that we set it up all those years ago. It is a way I can honor Brent and a way he can honor me and that never goes out of style.

“We pledge among ourselves to avoid any situation that would have even the appearance of compromise or suspicion. From that day on, I did not travel, meet, or eat alone with a woman other than my wife.” – Billy Graham

We have had some deaths recently in our family. It has been so heartbreaking and confusing. Naturally, our kids are curious and dealing with all sorts of emotions. We talked to them about it and explain it is a natural part of life, like the circle of life. We also discuss burial, cremation, and heaven. I found this episode of Mr. Rodgers was particularly helpful in the discussion.

I cooked a new recipe this week: Flounder with Coconut-Ginger Rice & Mango Salsa. Since I already had cod I used that instead of flounder, and I used Trader Joe’s Pineapple Salsa instead of the mango salsa.

Two positives as I say goodbye: #1 I cleaned out my mismatched sock basket today and #2 the tulips we planted in the fall are coming up.

The weekend is here.


Homemade Monkey Themed Birthday Party

paper flat monkey, text: homemade monkey themes party

Our youngest, Dean, just turned 3. He came up with the birthday theme, a monkey party with the color blue. Currently, blue is his favorite color, just like his coat and shoes. When he grows up he even wants to paint his house blue.

3 year old blonde boy with blue plaid shirt
Here’s his little toothy grin.

Our parties are fairly simple. We usually buy our kids only one birthday gift. The decorations are homemade or inexpensive and I usually make the cake.

I read in “The Magnolia Story” how Joanna Gaines initially had elaborate Pinterest birthday parties for her kids then she realized it was all for her and others. Since her kids didn’t care about all the effort she was putting forth she started only having balloons at birthdays.

To me, the third birthday is something magical. They are usually very excited and thrilled with anything (not picky yet). I love watching the excitement on their face when they see the decorated room or the cake for the first time.  (more…)


Most Impactful Books (I Actually Read) of 2017

stack of four old books and a painting of flowers in a vase

I am so happy when I am reading or listening to a good book. Usually, historical fiction is my genre of choice, but this year I have turned a corner and really enjoy non-fiction– something I never thought possible.

Whenever I post about books I will try to give a little takeaway that impacted me. I hope you try some of these or all of them. You will not be disappointed.

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