Simon turns TWELVE today!
We’re celebrating with pulled pork and homemade buns, cheesy mashed potatoes, broccoli-bacon salad, fruit, applesauce, and chocolate zucchini brownie “cake” (all his requests).
Simon is our most easy-going child who everyone gets along with… ironically, he’s also our most stubborn child (I’ll let you guess which trait he got from which parent 🤣 ).
Along with choice personality traits, he has my squinty eyes, my childhood build (shorter and stockier — not long and lean like Dave and our other kids), and my hair color.
At least he doesn’t have my 12-year-old “Triangle Hair”!
Although my “triangle hair” memories are not one of my favorite things, I’ve got lots of new, fun favorites to share with you today… keep reading!
Favorite Moment = Farmhouse Flours
It’s official… I’m opening a roadside stand selling a variety of baked goods made with my freshly milled whole grain flour –> Farmhouse Flours!
I’ve already been selling freshly milled flour from my front porch for a few months… and I’m excited to expand with breads, cookies, muffins, and more this spring!
There are many details I haven’t worked out yet, but my cute little farmstand is (almost) ready, I recently acquired the necessary domain names and social handles, and I created a simple logo to get started.
I’ll share more when I know more! 😉
Favorite Subscription = Amazon Prime
I’m not traditionally a “membership person”… but more and more lately, I’ve realized how beneficial memberships are in my life.
Not only do I often save money by becoming a member, but I also save time and MENTAL ENERGY with a few less things to think about.
Needless to say, Amazon Prime has been a very life-simplifying membership for me over the years (I think it’s been more than a decade now!)
Our membership just renewed for $139, and we’ve already saved over $180 in January/February alone on shipping costs, lower prices, and discount coupons.
The movies, live sports, music, and ebooks are nice since we canceled Netflix a couple of years ago and haven’t had cable in many years… but the overnight and next-day shipping are fantastic. I hate shopping in stores, so these fast shipping features have saved my butt more than once when I forgot to buy a birthday gift or something pops up last-minute.
Plus, returns are SO easy!
We opened an Amazon Prime Visa card several years ago (when we started our Costco membership, as we didn’t have a Visa card). Every dollar we spend earns up to 5% cash back — which we have set to automatically apply to our next Amazon order.
I know there is some debate on the convenience of Amazon versus supporting local, but at this season of my life, convenience wins!
RELATED READING: How to Shop at Costco Without a Membership
Past Favorite = Digital Thermometer
Over the past 14+ years, I’ve tried a handful of thermometers… but once I found this digital forehead thermometer, I was hooked.
The babies and toddlers only needed to be still for 1 second to get an accurate reading… and now my older kids can easily take their own temperatures.
It has a dedicated spot in our medicine cabinet and comes along with us whenever we travel.
RELATED READING: An Easy Way to Organize Medicine When Traveling
Favorite Hair Tool = Curling Wand
Now that my days of “triangle hair” and super short hair are behind me (at least for the time being), I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different hair tools, products, and styles again.
One of my favorites is a curling wand I originally purchased for Nora, but then liked so much that I bought another one.
Both of ours were purchased on Facebook Marketplace, but this is the exact one I use.
I first curl my hair in sections (leaving it in tighter ringlets for a few minutes), then I comb through the curls with a wide-tooth comb to create a “wavy” effect (see photos below).
Nora could likely give you a better tutorial on exactly what to do… but that’s the gist of it, and I like how my hair looks with this wave.
RELATED READING: My Favorite Little Girl Hair Styles
Favorite Book = Raising Gender Confident Kids
I first read Raising Gender Confident Kids over the summer, and I circled back to re-read it again more recently, as I apparently didn’t retain much the first time around!
Anyway, I’m a fan… AND you can get the book completely FREE right now through Summit Ministries (with free shipping)!
It’s a great book for parents, grandparents, teachers, and youth workers who regularly interact with middle and high school students.
GET THE BOOK: Raising Gender Confident Kids
Favorite Media = Watercolor Notecards
This isn’t my usual form of media — but I believe notecards are a type of media (paper), and I just love the cute hand-painted Scripture cards from Emily Lex Studio.
I have several sets and use them as tiny cards (thank you, thinking of you, etc.) throughout the year. I also used them to decorate a bulletin board at church, and have gotten so many compliments on it.
I use the Christmas cards at Christmas time and throughout the winter months, the kids’ cards for youth, and the hope/truth cards all year long.
The watercolor images are stunning, and the paper is thick and high-quality.
NOTE: These scripture cards do not come with envelopes (they are meant to be displayed as daily inspiration), so I purchased these 4.5″ x 4.5″ envelopes, which fit the cards perfectly.
I write a note on the back of the card and sometimes include a gift card, a piece of chocolate, a water bottle sticker, or another small gift inside the envelope. Or, I use it as the card for whatever gift I’m giving. Either way, the card ends up being a tiny gift in itself!
Favorite Game = Pickleball
I don’t play pickleball nearly as much as my kids do… but it’s pretty fun and so much easier than tennis!
If you have a long-enough driveway, you should definitely consider purchasing a pickleball kit for your home this spring/summer.
We purchased our pickleball set 5 years ago this summer, and it’s still holding up well.
The kids just set it up again over the weekend and have been playing all week (we don’t actually play by the rules — just hit it back and forth).
We originally played on our back patio (see picture below), but now we keep it in our driveway as we have a fire pit, eating area, and hot tub on our patio.
RELATED READING: How we organize outdoor toys/games.
Favorite Recipe = Country Spare Ribs
I loved this fall-off-the-bone tender meat the first time I tasted it as a kid… and Country Spare Ribs are still one of my favorite EASY recipes.
If you’re looking for a delicious comfort food that requires minimal hands-on time, give my recipe a try… it’s delicious!
TRY THE RECIPE: Country Style Spare Ribs.
Favorite Ah-Ah Moment = Washing Shoes
I regularly wash “washable” shoes like Sketchers… but I was always a bit leery of washing the kids’ more expensive shoes in case I ruined them.
I decided to give it a go a few months ago, and now I wonder why I waited so long. I’ve washed so many pairs of shoes over the last couple of months, and not one pair has been ruined, deformed, or in any worse shape after washing.
In fact, just this week, I washed one of my favorite pairs of older, VERY dirty shoes… only to have them come out looking like new (I wish I had taken a before picture. Sorry!)
I’ve had the best luck washing shoes with towels or the dog bed (I wouldn’t wash them with clothing, but that’s just me). I also remove the laces and put them in a mesh laundry bag — they get much cleaner this way.
If the sun is shining, I’ll set the wet shoes on the front porch to dry. Otherwise, I pop them in the dryer with no issues.
Seriously, don’t be like me and wait so long — wash your shoes today!
Favorite Archived Post:
Why I (almost) Never Say “We Can’t Afford That”.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve cringed whenever I hear someone say “we can’t afford that”, especially when it’s about something silly like going out to eat or buying a new pair of shoes.
In reality, we likely have the money to buy a pair of shoes or eat at a restaurant… we’re simply choosing not to spend it on those specific items because we’d prefer to spend it differently.
Yes, there are certainly things in this world that I literally don’t have enough money in my bank account to purchase… but those are not generally things I talk about on a daily basis with friends, neighbors, or my kids
“Sorry, we can’t purchase that yacht today… we can’t afford it until our next pay period”. 😂
I decided (many years ago) that I would try super hard to never say “we can’t afford that” (unless we’re talking about that yacht again).
Instead, I say things like:
- I don’t want to spend my money on that right now.
- That doesn’t feel like a good enough value for me.
- I’d rather spend my money on _________ instead.
- I think I might regret that purchase later.
- I’m saving up for something better.
- I’m choosing not to spend on that for now.
See… there are so many better, more positive, more empowering, and more truthful ways of phrasing this.
If you don’t want to make this subtle change for yourself, make it for your kids — it’s amazing how quickly they pick up on the different language.
Read the full post here: Why I Never Say “I Can’t Afford That”.
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
JJ says
Thank you for sharing the Emily Lex cards. I ordered after reading your post and already received my stuff today! The quality is so impressive! I came back on, found the link for envelopes in your post, and ordered them. Many of your favorites things become mine!
Also, I am enjoying the email from Emily Lex and the free phone watercolor Bible verse wallpaper she includes(weekly? from what it said). You find the best things!
Andrea says
yay — so happy you got your little note cards and envelopes! And yes, Emily’s emails are great too!
Adri Himes says
I ordered 3 packs of those cards (+envelopes), I’d been looking for cards. Thank you!!!!
Happy Birthday Simon, only one of mine born on due date as well.
Andrea says
Great — glad to help you find the perfect cards. I think you will love them!
Pascale says
Hello Andrea,
I admire your zest for life, your creativity, balanced attitude and the fact that you choose your words wisely in refraining from using expressions such as we can’t afford it.
You were asking if we had favorites. My favorite season is winter. The more snow, the better. I love the peace and stillness of winter. I love that there is no yard project, no noise pollution and no fireworks. I love that the days are shorter so the nights are peaceful and calm. I would gladly skip summer with all theheat, humidity, mosquitoes, bugs, yard projects, fireworks, noise pollution and replace it with more winter, snow and silence.
Like you, I value Amazon Prime for the quick delivery and for all the British series and French series I can watch. I’ve been rewatching As Time Goes By with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palme through BritBox on Amazon Prime. I also watched a French series called Astrid et Raphaëlle.
Andrea says
Thanks Pascale 🙂
I also love Winter for all the reasons you mentioned (especially the break from yard work!) However, with kids at home and everyone off of work/school in the summers, we do all really love the summer months too. We can just jump in the pool when it gets too hot!
Thanks for sharing some of your favorite Amazon shows too!
Michelle says
The only closed minded thing I can see here is an inability to handle a difference in opinion. As for me, I’ll choose confidence over confusion for my kids every day of the week.
Andrea says
I agree with your confidence over confusion statement. Kids have SO much to think/worry/stress about in middle/high school… they shouldn’t also have to question their gender!
Donna Marie says
I just love your blog!!!
Andrea says
Thanks so much, Donna Marie 🙂
Melanie says
oh dear… I have followed you for years and years, but will have to unsubscribe due to the book you are reading – Raising Gender Confident Kids. To think that someone has to be a certain way because of the genitals they were born with is really close-minded. I really hope your children grown up to feel as safe as all children (and adults) have the right to feel. I recommend you broaden your research and open your mind by reading “Sissy : a coming-of-gender story”. It’s a funny, heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing memoir about what it’s like to grow up not sure if you’re (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above. I do hope your parenting journey is a kind and supportive one for your children.
Andrea says
Thanks for your long-time readership, Melanie.
I’m not forcing anyone to think a certain way or read/buy/use anything. I’m simply sharing what I like — my favorite things. I share at least one book almost every week via my blog and email… this is just one of hundreds of books I’ve read, enjoyed, and shared over the years. But it sounds like you’re very open-minded, so I’m sure you already realized that.
Sara says
Well said, Melanie. There’s this idea out there that people who question their gender do so without the Lord’s guidance. It’s dangerous to speak on behalf of the Lord when it comes to someone else’s walk with Him. We as Christians are getting it wrong…and thousands are turning away from Him because of it.
Penny Doolin says
I wish you had an online store for your fresh milled flour!
Andrea says
I know! I think I’d get a lot of business!
The problem is, freshly milled flour loses most of it’s nutritional advantages within the first 36 hours after being milled… so if it were shipped, it really wouldn’t have much left by the time it arrived at your home.
Beth says
We also have Amazon prime but have a hard time finding movies that are you know family friendly. We love comedies. Do you have any suggestions?
Andrea says
Hi Beth,
It can be hit or miss with the shows on Amazon Prime (and they now have some that still cost $1.99 or 2.99 even with a prime membership). That said, here are a handful we’ve enjoyed more recently: Sing 1 and Sing 2, Anne of Green Gables (there are a few different ones), IF, The Boxcar Children, Lion of Judah, The Wind and the Willows, The Adventures of Ociee Nash, The Kind and I, BFG, The Mighty Macs, Unstoppable, Where the Red Fern Grows, Wonka, Miracle, Little House on the Prairie, Secrets of National Parks, Zoo Babies.
That’s probably enough for now. I think once you start watching some good shows, the “algorithms” will feed you more quality shows that you will hopefully like!
Beth says
He also have Amazon prime but we have difficulty finding movies that are family friendly that we’d like to watch. Do you have any suggestions?
Nancy says
Your roadside stand is so cute! While seeing the leaves change in Maine, we saw roadside stands loaded with pies, jam and bread. All on the honor system!! We live in a very safe state, but I thought that was amazing. That was 2019, so I don’t know how it is now.
I’m still mad we let the powers that be slide the word “gender” into our daily vocabulary. I remember the first time I saw it on a form at the Drs office. Then, a form at church. I thought, hmm what’s that all about? We had no idea of the social changes coming at us, like atom bomb/rocket. Looking back, it’s as if someone had this overarching plan. Parents raising children today are in my daily prayers.
Andrea says
Yes, this will just be a little roadside stand in our front yard (all on the honor system).
I do plan to have jams out there along with the breads, cookies, muffins, etc. And in the fall, I’m planning to sell our hydrangeas too (flours AND flowers) clever!
I think there are a lot of things that are harder about raising children today, but also things that are easier… I’m guessing every generation could say something similar.
Thanks for your support, Nancy!
Victoria Huizinga says
I LOVE your little store, it is adorable! Are you going to do farmers’ markets?
Andrea says
Thanks Victoria!
I don’t think I’d have the capacity to do a farmer’s market — you need A LOT of product for those. And at this point, I don’t want to do anything outside of my home on the weekends. I plan to start pretty small and see how things go with the roadside stand!
Mary says
I discovered Emily Lex on a recent trip to Seattle. Her parents are my niece’s neighbors. I’ve purchased two of her watercolor workbooks and paints as gifts for my granddaughter. Emily also has an online painting tutorial. Granddaughter who’s 12 has loved painting.
Andrea says
That’s so fun, Mary!
Yes, I’ve purchased the online classes for Nora and she really enjoyed them!
Shannon Guay says
Happy Birthday Simon!
I still love your Favorite Things posts! Congratulations on the roadside stand!
Andrea says
Thanks, Shannon!
Jen says
And forgot to say Happy Birthday to Simon! How has it been 12 years??? Hope he has a wonderful day!
Jen says
Emily Lex is one of my FAVORITES! I have stacks of her cards, and they are always a hit! I have bought several of her prints as gifts too.
Thanks for the tip on the book! I just ordered one for Jeff. He has left teaching (so we have one less thing in common now!) and is working as the Men’s Director for our local Pregnancy Resource Center. He spends his days with expectant dads doing counseling, training, dad classes, etc. (It’s amazing for the dads to get some direction and support just like the moms!) This book will be valuable in his work. I will pass it along to our daughters as well. We are now proud grandparents (Lolli and Pop!) to two sweet boys, and I know this book will be helpful to our adult kids as well. Thanks for sharing!
Happy almost summer to the Dekkers! Here in SC, we are knocking on 70 degrees almost every day already!
Andrea says
Enjoy those warmer temps — I’ve always said, “If my entire life wasn’t in West Michigan, the other place I’d like to live would be North or South Carolina”. You guys have the best weather (we still have snow!)
Also, your husband’s retirement “job” sounds like such a needed thing. I didn’t even know they did dad classes for pregnancy resource centers — but I’m glad they do!
Jen says
Believe it or not, we had 12 inches of snow in late January! Things came to a halt for several days as our town only has 1 plow! Thankfully, it warmed up pretty quickly, and it was gone almost as fast as it came! We also have a pool at our new home, and it’s nice that we get to enjoy it about 9-10 months out of the year!
Jeff’s job is one of the few in the US. He has actually met with several people in GR about their ministries to me. It’s so needed and finally gaining some traction!
I wish I could shop your roadside stand. Maybe I’ll send my sister down from NE GR one day!
Andrea says
I know we have a couple of good pregnancy resources centers in Grand Rapids — my friends mom actually runs one of them.
Wow — that’s A LOT of snow for you guys! Hope you were able to enjoy it (you probably loved being “stuck” at home!)
I’ll let you know when the roadside stand is open and I can set a few goodies aside for your sister 🙂
Beth Nesseth says
Andrea,
Having my devotions before BSF, I decided to read your blog first! WOW! You are a blessing to this 72 year old women! You give me so many ideas to minister to neighbors and family! Ordered 2 of your ideas and would love to know when your stand opens! You’re just 2 miles away and I can drop off those goodies to our grands! Thank you! Have a great day!
Andrea says
oh wow — so fun!
Yes, I’ll keep you posted as to when I officially open the stand. It will likely be a Saturday-only thing for the first few months.
Thanks for your encouragement and support!
Chris says
Happy birthday, Simon!
Oh what fun (and I know a lot of work) to start selling things from a roadside stand.
I always enjoy your monthly favorites!
Andrea says
Thanks Chris! And yes, I’m a little intimidated by how much work the roadside stand might be… but this is the year I’m going to find out!
Chris says
It sounds awesome!