We’re in the middle of a couple of home projects (one of which is a surprise for you!!) so the house is often messier and louder than I’d prefer. And Dave is busier than we’d both like… but we are honestly so happy for school and church and community activities to be up and running.
We registered the kids for a variety of summer sports camps, art camps, swimming lessons, Vacation Bible School, and other fun summertime activities — and even though most places in our town still require masks, our days at home are feeling pretty normal.
If you need a smile today, check out this sweet picture of Clara and “her” puppy…
We got to visit a fresh batch of puppies last week — Clara was in her glory and has been asking for her own puppy ever since.
Is there anything cuter than toddlers with puppies?!?
In other Dekker Family “news”, the boys are both growing out the “tops” of their hair, and they are beyond excited to try out a whole bunch of different sports camps this summer — Simon may have even convinced us to let him sign up for football camp!
They also finished writing and illustrating their Who Would Win books last week (after WEEKS of working on them!)
Nora feels like a teenager to me — completely with a messy bedroom and closet.
She’s sweet, sassy, super smart, crafty, creative, a budding fashionista… and always trying to act older than she is.
On to my favorites for the month…
FAVORITE MOMENT = First Fire of the Year
Dave and I have wanted a portable firepit for several years, and I found one last month on Facebook Marketplace, just down the street! It was only used once and it’s in fantastic condition.
The firepit is on wheels so it’s very easy to move around on our new patio, and it has “safety wire” around the outside to stop sparks from flying around.
To celebrate our new-to-us firepit, we had our inaugural fire over spring break. It was a hit with all the kiddos!
This is the exact fire pit we purchased (for only $50 on Facebook!)
We also purchased these roasting sticks.
FAVORITE ROUTINE = a Sunday Sabbath
Now that our children are a bit older and don’t need us every minute of every day, Dave and I decided it was time to reinstate our pre-children Sunday Sabbath — a full “day of rest” from Saturday evening through Sunday evening.
It has been absolutely wonderful!
Traditionally, we’ve always treated Sunday as a church + family day, so we weren’t ever in the habit of inviting friends over or playing with neighbors. And even still, we really don’t do all that much on Sundays — we almost never go shopping, get groceries, or order food. But for the last 9 years, Sundays haven’t been all that restful as we always had babies and toddlers and diapers and naps to work around.
At some point, we slipped into the habit of using Sunday afternoons to play “catch up” on the work we didn’t get to on Friday or Saturday — throwing in an extra load of laundry, grading one more batch of tests, making a couple of freezer meals, etc.
Certainly not the end of the world or any type of “salvation issue”, but it’s not what we personally wanted… and now that our kids are older, we felt it was a good time to make a change.
Several months ago, we implemented a few new Sabbath guidelines for our family — namely no schoolwork, blog work, housework, OR electronics!
Now, we literally have no agenda from Saturday evening through Sunday evening, except reading for enjoyment, hanging out with our kids, going for walks, taking naps, playing games, etc.
I usually prepare breakfast and lunch the day before (something simple that I can shove in the oven or the slow cooker) so I don’t have a bunch of extra kitchen work on Sundays.
For dinner, we almost always enjoy a simple platter of meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, or a frozen pizza with fruit and veggies.
We don’t think about work or home projects.
We don’t worry about “catching up”.
We don’t watch TV or go online.
We don’t even use our phones (we DO keep them turned on in case family needs to contact us.)
Our self-imposed Sabbath guidelines have been a wonderful gift for our family — for our bodies, our minds, and our souls. (Just one more benefit of being out of the baby/toddler stage of life!)
After the kids go to bed on Sunday evening, Dave and I spend an hour or two planning and prepping for the week ahead. Then we go to bed on time, rested and refreshed for another week ahead.
RELATED READINGS: 5 Tips to Touch Your Phone Less and 6 Strategies to Take Your Weekends Back
PAST FAVORITE = Goat’s Milk Soap + Lotion
It’s been almost 2 years since I first discovered Bend Soap, and now, our family all uses their amazing goat’s milk soaps and lotions. I’m extra thrilled that I finally found an all-natural deodorant that actually works!
Over the last year, I’ve given so many gift baskets containing Bend Soap goodies (I figure soap is a great COVID gift idea!)
I know many of our friends and family and teachers are now avid Bend Soap users!
They have a few new scents for spring right now — along with some seasonal discounts. In fact, they are offering an automatic 15% off their new Mother’s Day basket and TODAY is the last day to get it shipped in time for Sunday!
Also, new customers can use the code AD10 for 10% off your entire order!
RELATED READING: My favorite natural beauty items.
FAVORITE BOOK = Mama Bear Apologetics
See info. below!
FAVORITE MEDIA = Mama Bear Apologetics
A huge thank-you to Kim, a loyal reader who introduced me to Mama Bear Apologetics a few months ago.
Since finding their book, their website, and their podcast, these ladies have been my go-to media of choice.
I’ve read the book and listened to the audio version. I’ve also listened to every one of their podcasts, and I just recently purchased the study guide that goes along with the book. I’m hoping Dave and I will go through it together over the summer.
If you’re new to Apologetics (or have no idea what in the world Apologetics is) you must check out the Mama Bear webpage and read for yourself. These women are SO stinkin’ smart (and funny).
I can’t even comprehend everything I’ve learned from them already!
Read the Book: Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies
Listen to The Podcast: Mama Bear Apologetics
FAVORITE HOBBY = Gardening
If you talk to me in November, I will be SO DONE WITH GARDENING… but in May, I’m like a kid in a candy store!
Everything is so fresh and new, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the grass is SOOOOO green. Plus, after a long West Michigan Winter, I’ll take any excuse to enjoy mild, spring weather again!
I love listening to a favorite podcast (see “Favorite Media” above) while slowly working my way through our planting beds — yes, I even enjoy pulling weeds this time of year!
RELATED READING: My Favorite Perennials for Sun and Shade
FAVORITE RECIPE = Mango Salsa Chicken
Our whole family loves this recipe, and it’s so ridiculously simple that I make it roughly once a month all year round.
It’s a throw-it-in-the-slow-cooker kind of recipe that’s perfect for days when I can’t (or just don’t want to) spend time in the kitchen.
And… it’s amazing as leftovers. We eat it hot on rice, as filling for quesadillas, or even as a dip for chips.
GET THE RECIPE: Mango Salsa Chicken
FAVORITE QUOTE = Mother Teresa
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
Last week, I read In The Heart of the World, by Mother Teresa. It’s a SUPER short, quick read (it took me about 45 minutes) and it’s a gold mine for amazing quotes and inspirational short stories.
Let’s stop replaying mistakes from our past, or worrying about what might happen in our future, and instead, let’s just live today to the fullest!
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Don’t Take it For Granted
I enjoyed re-reading my post from Mother’s Day 2018, when Clara was a baby and Nora was only in Kindergarten part-time (so they were all home with me many days each week!)
It was one of the most physically and mentally trying years of my life… and re-reading my thoughts about “not taking it for granted” still ring so true for me!
Read the full posts here.
That’s it for me this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you can scroll through ALL my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Barb says
Andrea,
I never heard of Mama Bear Apologetics until now. I checked out their website and will definitely give their podcasts a listen. Thank you so much for including them in your May list!! I have been struggling with how to combat the lies that are so prevalent in our culture today when talking with my children.
Andrea says
oh Barb, you’ll love them! They are so engaging, yet so down-to-earth (and SOOOOO smart!)
Fran says
Happy Mother’s Day enjoy with your beautiful family….and Nora does look like a teenager ❤️
Andrea says
Thanks Fran 🙂 The kids are all growing up!
Kim says
Just cannot believe how grown-up your children are becoming. Love that you have a couple of authors in the family. Very exciting!
When we were in the baby years, it was all we could do to get to Sunday School, Worship service, get our little girls home, fed and tossed in the bed. Then, we collapsed! Many families with tiny ones went directly to a restaurant or to someone’s home for the afternoon. I never, ever knew how they did that…………..different personalities I suppose.
Even now, as empty nesters, home is our favorite place to be after church on Sundays…..a super simple lunch, dozing through NFL games, reading, resting………………..slowing the pace. It is hard to beat that combination.
Debbie says
I’m all for the Sabbath Sunday myself. I used to take afternoon naps on Sunday but lately been using Sunday to prepare meals, visit my mom, or volunteer at church. It definitely doesn’t feel like Sabbath to me when these things happen. I need to think through how I can create a Sabbath Sunday for us.
JJ says
Love your recommendations, and I am ordering the books–thanks!
Natalia Gramada says
Congratulations to Clara for “her” puppy and to Simon and James for their books! I would love to read them!
I am so thrilled that you’re embracing and enjoying the Sabbath, again! I’ve been keeping the Sabbath (on Saturdays) my whole entire life, but I am still being inspired by you – no surprise there! While we’re not watching TV, we’ve been using Youtube for Bible stories, songs and movies, and I’m on the phone way too much, scrolling through FB, messaging friends and family…. I’ve got to cut that off. It won’t be easy, but I want to!
And guess what! I just placed an order from Bend Soap for myself, this time!! – Ha! I’m sure I will enjoy it!!!
Andrea says
Hey Natalia,
Please don’t feel you need to follow OUR guidelines — I definitely don’t think watching TV or using the internet is bad or wrong… we just decided that for our family for this season in life, we want to be free from electronics one day a week.
Also, yay for the Bend Soap! I know you’ll like it 🙂
Gabriela says
I just received my order of books from Christianbooks.com and the Mama Bear is in there. I wasn’t sure which book to start with, but I have my choice now. Thank you Andrea! You are an awesome lady! Thanks for sharing with us all these great info.
Andrea says
wow — that’s such great timing! Yes, read MamaBear — it’s SO good!
Candace says
Every little thing you’ve *ever* recommended has exceeded my expectation. From USA pans to drain snakes to recipes! So without hesitation I’ve ordered the Mama Bear Apologetics with the study guide. My kids are 8 and 9 and they are starting to ask big questions, and starting to learn interesting things from their public school education. I can’t wait to arm myself with a solid resource for these times. Thank you so much for the awesome recommendation!
Andrea says
oh wow — what a compliment 🙂
I think you’ll love the book and your kids are the PERFECT age to get started!
Jlynn says
I’ve been away from your site too long, your children have grown up so much!
I’m diving back into all the things you’ve created since I’ve been away. I see a bunch of binging coming soon.
Andrea says
Welcome back 🙂 Happy reading!!
Rita Bryant says
I have been following your post since 2011 and I just want to say Thank You for all you do.
I have always loved your necklace that your friend made you and asked for her email to get me one. She responded and I quickly forwarded the email to my daughter-in-law who was asking me what I want for Mother’s Day. Win-she was happy with my choice, Win-I was going to buy it myself, and Win-we were able to support a person working from their home.
Just for fun I wanted to give you a run down of some of the products, recipes, and numerous things I now do (meal planning) that have really enriched my life that come from your blog.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies-I was like you, I could not find a chocolate chip cookie recipe that I tried. This is perfect and my search is over.
Strawberry Jam-This stuff is so good I can eat it on pound cake as a topping
Homemade recipe for Window cleaner-My number one go to cleaner and yes I use it for other things!
I could go on and on! Love your blog, love what you do and keep it up!
I will shoot you a picture of my necklace when it comes in.
Have a wonderful Spring!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Rita!
I’m thrilled you are getting a necklace from Alyssa — she’s amazing!
And… thanks so much for sharing some of the ways my tips and recipes have helped you to simplify and find more enjoyment in life!
Christine Meurer says
I WANT gardening to be my favorite. I have a huge yard with so much potential (but also 6 kids including an 8 week old. Haha), so I got Gardening for Dummies from the library and I’m so excited to start learning while nursing! It’s actually a really thick book full of so much info! Your yard is inspirational. 🙂
Christina says
I just ordered both of these recommendations at the local library. Thanks for the inspiration. It is “In the heart of the World” not “word.” In case anyone else is looking for it, not through the link.
Also, at our local Menard’s, that exact firepit is between $50-$60 new. We actually have one and have gifted many now. It’s a great firepit!
Have a fabulous week!
Andrea says
yay — glad you ordered the books (and I’ll make the change to the misspelled word!) Thanks!
Chris says
Do you (or any readers who see this) know if you can use a fire pit on a covered deck?
Christina says
This is a huge firepit! I wouldn’t use one this size under anything. When we first got it we joked it was like standing around a barrel of fire. It gives off tons of heat. Best of luck!
Andrea says
My initial thoughts would be “no”, probably not. I’d say using any type of fire under any type of covering sounds like a bad idea.
Chris says
Thank you both.
beth beaudoin says
Hi Chris,
I would not recommend using a firepit on a covered deck. It may get smoky and the heat radiating from the firepit may damage your deck or start a fire.
Carol L Triebel says
Enjoyed seeing Clara eating a s’more. A less messy version is to use fudge striped cookies instead of graham crackers and chocolate–just put the melted marshmallow between two cookies.
Andrea says
thanks for this tip — I actually have a container of those cookies in the freezer waiting for a special treat (my kids think store-bought cookies are a special treat — LOL!)
bw says
Another option we always used when camping is chocolate covered graham crackers. Two layers in one!
Andrea says
cool — I didn’t know these were available! Now I need to look for them at the grocery store!
Ann says
Hmmm. YOu are the second person in 24 hours to recommend this book!
Andrea says
From what I know about you, Ann… you would really enjoy the book and find it very interesting!