September truly feels like the start of another new year for our school-oriented family… I almost want to say “Happy New Year”, but I’ll wait a few more months for that!
I love the start of each new school year — not because Dave and the kids are gone all day, but because it just feels like a fantastic fresh start.
So far, the first few weeks of school have gone well — the kids have great teachers and a few close friends in their classes.
Dave’s new job in a new school is also off to a great start. After almost 20 years as a “math teacher,” he’s now considered a “STEM teacher” as he’s teaching Computer Science, Robotics, and Personal Finance. I think he’s enjoying the break from constantly grading stacks of math homework every evening.
Favorite Moment = First Day of School
After a wonderfully relaxing summer at home, everyone made it out the door on time for the first day of school.
Now, 3 weeks in, we’ve officially switched gears into “school mode” — but the pool is still open and used daily!
Favorite Routine = Family Meals
I’ve never considered family meal time to be a “routine” — more just a necessity of living together. However, after a recent conversation with a handful of friends, I realized it’s not super common for families to sit down together for meals each day.
One friend said they only had 2 meals together all summer! What!?!
I know our kids are still young (not driving, no jobs, etc.) but not eating together fairly regularly seems crazy to me. That conversation helped me realize how much I take our family meals for granted.
I’m grateful our schedules allow us to sit down as a family for breakfast and dinner almost every day of the week (all 3 meals during the summer).
The food doesn’t need to be fancy (check out these easy 30-minute meals) — and we don’t need to be physically at our table, but that time to sit and eat together is something I will not give up without a pretty darn good fight!
(check back with me in another 5 years to see how I’m doing!)
RELATED READING: How to spend more time around the table.
Favorite Tradition = Half Birthdays
I know it’s silly, but I just love celebrating my kids’ half birthdays with their choice of “half dessert” and singing “Halfy Birthday”.
It’s SO simple (you could even buy a dessert and cut it in half) but they always seem to look forward to it.
If you’re looking for a fun, super simple tradition for your family, give half-birthdays a try!
RELATED READING: A Simple Way to Celebrate Half Birthdays
Past Favorite = Over-the-door organizers
I LOVE over-the-door shoe organizers and have used them on the backs of many MANY doors in my life (all the way back to my childhood).
My preference is to hang them from screws on the inside of the door (versus the hooks that sit on top of the door) as you don’t see anything from the outside.
These organizers are work-horses in our house, organizing everything from swimsuits to snow gear, football cleats to extension cords.
We hang them on many of our closet doors and love the extra organized storage without taking up any actual space in the closet.
Kids’ Favorite = Book Lamps
Whenever our kids learn how to read well enough that they can read on their own, we buy them a rechargeable book lamp so they can read in bed.
It’s something they look forward to, it’s a great habit to instill from a young age, and it’s super easy to implement (just order a light off Amazon).
We recently gave Clara her book lamp so all 4 kids have them.
Simon also did an experiment — leaving his light on indefinitely to see how long the battery lasted. It stayed on (24 hours per day) for over 4 full days! A pretty great battery life before it needs to be recharged.
Pet Favorite = Retractable Leash
I didn’t realize how much I loved our retractable leash until it broke and I had to use a regular leash for a few days before the new one arrived.
This leash is a game changer for walking small dogs (not sure if it works well with larger dogs as I don’t have experience with that).
Favorite Clothing = Romper
As a long-torso gal, I never expected a romper to fit my body… but I found 2 at a local thrift store this summer (for $0.50 each!) and absolutely LOVE them.
They are so comfortable, breathable, stretchy… and they have pockets.
I love the wide legs, the lightweight stretchy fabric, the wide straps, the cinched waist, and yes… the pockets.
It will look cute with a jean jacket or sweater for fall too!
NOTE: don’t take fashion advice from me — I’m always function over form when it comes to clothing! 😉
Favorite Snack = Cheddar Cheese Sticks
The kids kept telling me about how amazing cheddar cheese sticks are (we had traditionally stuck with the mozzarella sticks). I finally tried them this summer, and they really ARE delicious.
If you’re looking for an easy snack for lunches, sports practices, or just for yourself when you’re running errands (anyone else get hangry??) pick these up the next time you’re at the grocery store!
Favorite Book = Master of One
I’ve been on a Jordan Raynor kick over the last month or so — listening to his podcast, subscribing to his Monday morning devotional, and reading several of his books.
He’s good — really good, and I’ve enjoyed the vast majority of his content.
However, I feel like I have a love-hate relationship with one of his newer books, Master of One.
On one hand, it was extremely inspirational and motivational. He packed so much great content into one book; along with dozens of amazing real-life examples of people who have not only found but are also mastering the “one thing” they were created to do.
On the other hand, I felt somewhat discouraged as I realized I don’t have any clue as to what my “one thing” might be.
As a lifelong self-proclaimed “Jill of all trades, Master of none” I honestly take pride in the many things I do “medium well” (this is the phrase I use to order a burger and to describe my many mediocre talents!)
Truly, the list of tasks and skills I’m adequate-to-pretty-good-at is a mile long… but “mastery” is something I have yet to grasp in any one area of my life.
I look around and see many of my friends, siblings, peers, and acquaintances passionately pursuing their “one thing” with great success… and despite intense thought and re-reading much of the book twice, I have yet to come up with the one thing I’m a master at (or could be a master at).
All that to say, I’d still highly recommend reading Master of One (as long as you are in the mood for a thought-provoking book!)
It will motivate you to continue pursuing your “one thing”, or it will help you uncover what your “one thing” is, or… it might just leave you fairly annoyed and confused — either way it WILL get you thinking!
I’d love to know your thoughts if you’ve already read this book.
READ THE BOOK: Master of One by Jordan Raynor
Favorite Media = Disney+
At the beginning of the summer, we subscribed to Disney+ and have been re-watching all our old favorite classics for weekly movie nights.
We have the lowest price subscription, which means there are usually 2 or 3 commercial breaks over the course of a 90-minute movie, but none of the commercial content has been inappropriate for families, and we use those breaks to get a refill on our food or go to the bathroom.
Dave may have had ulterior motives in recommending Disney+ as apparently EVERY Star Wars movie ever made is available on the platform. It was not uncommon to find Dave watching a portion of a movie every night before bed (being a teacher in the summer has many perks!)
Favorite Hobby = Digital photo books
I don’t have many hobbies these days, but creating digital photo books for our family is one I’ve stuck with for almost 2 decades now (I’m still using Blurb!)
I currently make 5 photo books every year (a small one for each child + a large book for our family).
I have my routine down to a science so it only requires about 45 minutes at the end of each month to update the books… and the kids absolutely LOVE looking through these books on a daily basis.
James’ 8-year-old book arrived in the mail last week and I’ll often find him carrying it around so he can look at a few more pages in his spare time.
I’ve never been great at home videos, but our days are well-documented from a photography standpoint, and I’m so glad we now have a relatively easy, clutter-free way to enjoy our photos each year.
RELATED READING: Everything you need to know about our photo books.
Favorite Recipe = Breakfast Burritos
One of our favorite easy make-ahead breakfast ideas during the school year is Breakfast Burritos. Not only are they delicious, they are also freezer-friendly and can be reheated from frozen in just a few minutes.
I updated my old post with new pictures and a new printable recipe card — so if you haven’t tried them yet, definitely head on over to get the recipe!
TRY THE RECIPE: Easy Breakfast Burritos.
Favorite Archived Post
There are many obvious benefits of living intentionally:
- Less stress
- Better relationships
- Better health
- More confidence in making decisions and setting boundaries
- More alignment with your core values and beliefs
But a few years back, I realized an unexpected benefit that I’m still enjoying today!
Read the full post: An Unexpected Benefit of Living Intentionally.
That’s all for this month.
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Sydney says
I love your post, Andrea, but I completely disagree with you that you haven’t found your “ONE” thing. You are, without a doubt, a MASTER home manager. Your home is filled with peace, comfort, love, and happy people because of your hard work, dedication and skill.
Your daily efforts within your walls creates stability that spreads far beyond your own home. This is the stuff that gives communities and neighborhoods a firm foundation, and creates a better society for all. I sincerely believe that!
It is a shame our world gives so little importance to home management. It is not a small thing to transform the lives of your family. What more important craft can there be?
I have learned much from your blog and I hope you’ll take some pride in your chosen profession. You can be the banner waver for all of us who have chosen simple, intentional living (and eating dinner together) as our “ONE thing”.
Michelle Fessler says
I came to the comments section to say this exact thing. I’m much older than Andrea and my girls have children of their own now, but I have learned a LOT from following her for a number of years now.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your home management skills with us.
Andrea says
Thank you, Michelle 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks for these encouraging and uplifting words, Sydney — I appreciate it so much!
Jenn in Indiana says
Wow your kids have grown so much! I bet they keep you busy! Don’t sell yourself short, you are a wonderful homemaker and do great at what you do! My children are 20 and 23 and I learn from you and wish you would have had a blog when I was starting out! Even though my children are older I am still a homemaker and I love being home! Even though I get alot of people wondering what I do all day…..LOL. How nice Dave is teaching somewhere else. Are your children going to the same Christian school or are they going to public school? If I remember right you had said that since he taught there you had to send your kids there?? I could be incorrect though. I am amazed at the schools that just started after labor Day! Our district started August 5th I think, way to early!!!!
Andrea says
Hi Jenn,
Yes, the kids just keep growing! I’m told this is normal LOL!
And yes, the kids are still all in our local Christian school. We love it, they love it, and it’s a very good fit for our family.
Jenny says
Could it be that you are a master of “providing structure”? This can be applied to many areas of life as you have demonstrated ☺️
Andrea says
Thanks Jenny — I love this idea!
I was JUST telling someone the other day “I really just think this needs a little more structure to work” LOL!
Also, I have a sticky note taped to my computer that says, “As order is brought from chaos, your family flourishes a bit more today.” I feel like I bring order (and flourishing) to our home… and yes, that does make me very happy!
Michele M says
I’ve had the same question many times about my life. I just told my husband last week that I’m not an expert at anything. I’m just busy doing many things. I agree with the other commenters. I would consider you an expert at organizing and maintaining your home and business. No one can master taking care of the children that God gave you like you can.
I also completely agree with you about family meals. When we got married, it was really important to my husband that we eat together at the table. After we had children , I was so thankful that we had made that a habit.
Andrea says
So glad you’ve had years of enjoying family meals too — I would be so sad to not have that time (that’s when they talk the most!)
And yes, I do really enjoy maintaining my home and business… I’m not sure if I’m a “master” at either, but I do feel passionate about them.
Teena says
I have been making breakfast burritos since I read your blog back in 2010/2011 (not sure when but it’s been a while). I make a big batch before most holidays (30-40) and wrap each in some wax paper and put some in the fridge, some in the freezer, and bring some to family gatherings. Everyone loves them! And so customizable!
Andrea says
yay — this is awesome! Yes, That’s when I first shared this recipe, so you’ve definitely been around for a while! Thanks so much for your long-time readership 🙂
Linda Bolt says
Retractable leashes are probably best for small dogs. I had a bad experience once with a medium-large dog: when he zoomed out of the house, the leash ran over my finger, leaving a nice, clean but deep cut. 13 stitches around the knuckle. The dog actually belonged to one of your relatives; see if you can figure it out!
Andrea says
Oh my word! I’m guessing Ruth?
Linda Bolt says
You guessed it!
Dawn Kaestner says
I agree. I love to use it for my meandering 70 pound pit bull because he loves to sniff and pee at leisure. However, if I need to pull him back to me quickly it is nearly impossible and I have to run towards him to shorten the leash. And my friend also had ten stiches on the palm of her hand during your precise scenario. Bet it works great for Buster, though!
Patti says
I agree with Paulette that you are a master of inspiring others. Since I found your blog, you have helped me cut through the chaos in my mind, which in turn has impacted both me and my family. To simplify my life has become my goal for each day. I, too, have been discouraged over the years because I could never settle on that “one thing” for my purpose in life. While reading your post, I finally came to the realization that my “one thing” is taking care of my family. I shouldn’t be disappointed in myself because it’s not this huge thing that impacts the world like curing cancer or something. I make a difference in my little world and that’s good enough for me. Kind of like the Starfish Story.
Andrea says
Thank you for sharing this Patti! I love that your “one thing” is caring for your family — a very admirable (yet difficult) thing to master!
And yes, I was sort of thinking of the starfish story when I was thinking about my “one thing” (possibly being caring for my home and family). I’m making a SMALL difference, but who knows what difference my kids or their kids could make?
Paulette says
Well, Andrea, you might not consider this your “one thing” but I do…you have mastered inspiring others! I’ve been a follower since 2012 and I read your posts faithfully. I don’t comment very often, but my husband says I talk about you as if you’re one of my friends. I can’t count the number of ways you’ve impacted my life. Thank you for being you!
Andrea says
Thank you Paulette. I’m thrilled to have impacted your life, and I appreciate your LONG-time readership (and your comments) so much!
Mary says
It was disconcerting to read about your thoughts on the book Master of One and wanting to be an expert at something. You sounded envious of others and like you’ve loss some confidence. I don’t get it. I’ve always felt you are an expert.
And you’ve probably heard this quote:
Comparison is the thief of joy.
I hope you able to regain what it appears has been lost.
Andrea says
Hi Mary — I honestly don’t feel envious of anyone else’s gifts or talents. I have no desire to be a nurse, a pastor, a lawyer, or anything other than exactly what I’m doing right now. And I’m still very confident in my own abilities to do the things I need and want to do each day.
I guess it would probably make more sense if you read the book, but the author mentions the importance of knowing what our “one thing” is so we can purposely and intentionally focus on that one thing we were created to do, and through that, bring the ultimate glory and honor to God.
I do think I’m a “master” (or expert as you said) at something — but I’m not 100% convinced I know what that one thing is yet (which does frustrate me). In my mind, if I knew for sure what my “one thing” was, I could passionately pursue that and stop messing around with everything else I do — LOL 🙂
Rest assured, my joy is not lost — I love all the little/random things I do each day. Maybe my “one thing” is simply being a Jill-of-all-trades!
Mary Carrico says
Thank you for responding. I was seriously worried about you. You have now eased my mind and I appreciate that.
Natalia says
I haven’t read the book, but now I’m planning to, thanks to you!
See, there are so many wonderful books in the world, but I’ll go to this one because YOU recommended it and your opinion has value. There are so many blogs to read, so much content available, yet I rejoice when I see your email in my inbox! Why? Because you mastered this! We enjoy hearing from you, listening to you, taking your advice and reading about your sweet family. You bring richness and value to our lives. And you’re pretty darn good at it! Just because you do so many other things (and you do them “well enough”!), it doesn’t mean you’re not a master at something!
There are plants out there that taste good, look good, have medicinal benefits and a great fragrance! What if they had to choose only one property?!
I’m grateful for those plants and I’m sure grateful for YOU!
Andrea says
Well good — I think you will really enjoy the book. It’s very well-written and thought-provoking (obviously!)
I’m thrilled that my emails and blog posts are highlights in your day and I appreciate your kind words so much!
Margaret says
As an amateur dog trainer, former guide dog puppy raiser, and someone who competes in Obedience and Agility, I would eliminate flexi leashes from the world if I could.
If a dog pulls, he gets more leash. That’s the last thing you want a dog to learn.
They are dangerous to others, especially the “cord” type, which can cause serious rope burns. Ask me how I know. If the handle gets jerked out of your hand you have a heavy projectile flying towards your dog and anyone your dog is heading towards.
They are awkward to handle when you need to keep your dog close.
A dog that is far ahead on the sidewalk can be in the street before you can react.
My dogs have all been trained to walk politely on a loose leash; it’s not difficult. It just takes perseverance and lots of food.
An alternative for people who don’t want to work with their dogs is a belt attachment. I take my 26 pound Keeshond birding almost every day; she sniffs while I look for birds. I have her 6-foot leather leash fastened to my belt. If she does find a fascinating scent and leans into her collar the pull is much easier to control with my core than my arm, and I have hands free for binoculars.
Rant over–for the moment.
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing, Margaret.
Sue says
Just a note about the retractable leashes- (according to my dog trainer daughter), while convenient they are unsafe for your dog – the latches on the retractable leashes are not secure. I used a retractable leash for years and thought it was great, but they are too hard to stop if your dog runs into the street or after a person. A leather leash is much more safe and secure and you can control your dog much better.
Andrea says
Good to know — I’m wondering if we love our leash so much b/c our dog is only 9 pounds so he’s still very easy to stop/control with the retractable leash?? I could see how it would be more difficult with a larger dog though!
Fern says
Oh, Andrea, please read and reread what Kimberly Beaty said! She expressed my thoughts better than I could have done.
Andrea says
Thanks Fern 🙂
Christina says
It seems to me that you are a master at running your household well – which is no easy feat. I think society overlooks how many moving pieces need to be managed in order to keep a household running smoothly – especially with multiple children in the mix. And I appreciate your ability to communicate the thing you have mastered with the rest of us who are still learning!
Andrea says
Thanks Christina, I do agree with you that I feel very passionate about running a home and household well. I’m glad that comes through in my writing and that it’s helpful to others 🙂
Kimberly Beaty says
Whoa whoa whoa… hold up!
You ARE too a Master of One!!! Don’t you dare sell yourself short!
You are intentionally passionate about making and guarding the one place on earth where your people can “rest”! (not merely sleep, mind you, but actually rejuvenate their whole soul, spirit, body!) You’re organizing the routines and rhythms of their lives – You are the hub of the wheel that keeps the chaos of busy/neglect in check so the car can actually function!!!
Stop and imagine what their world would be like – mentally, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually!!!! – without you THERE, mastering the assignment of “Guardian (Watchdog!) of the Family Soul” (that’s literally what Titus 2:5 “keeper of the home” means – Guardian-Watchdog!!!)
We “career” wives and mothers have been called to be Masters and Warriors in a different way than the world is capable of acknowledging let alone appreciating! (*look around you at the painful results where this role of “Mastery” has been eschewed, shunned, and abandoned!) Please don’t let yourself think for one, single, solitary moment you are not accomplishing a role of VITAL Mastery – AND contribution to the flourishing health of society!!
Your “Mastery” is the bedrock upon which civilization can best flourish!
(disclaimer: Some women would love to but cannot….I completely sympathize with them and am not referencing their situation. My beef is with the way the world mocks and denigrates the choice – and sometimes deep sacrifices – women make to be a Keeper of the Home.)
Andrea says
Thanks Kimberly 🙂
When I was originally talking with Dave about this book I said, “I think I’m a master at running a well-managed home” — and yes, I 100% agree with how important that is for our families and our society as a whole.
I guess part of me wishes my “one thing” was a little more exciting (you are correct when you said “the world mocks and denigrates the choice”) but if I was asked about the “one thing” I’m most passionate about, it would not be a difficult question for me to answer — I would give up any other commitment before I let my home and family succumb to chaos. That’s not to say things are always perfect over here, but… as the sticky note on my computer reminds me every morning “As order is brought from chaos, your family flourishes a bit more today.”
Chris says
I wanted to write something similar but Kimberly worded it so beautifully. Even though I have worked both part time and full time through the years (currently part time), I love being a homemaker and having things in order. But with health issues and an extremely scattered mind, my home is never up to par. It is always a constant struggle. I think it’s one reason I love reading your blog so much – you are a great example!
Andrea says
Thanks Chris — and I appreciate your long-time readership!
Honestly, I think managing a home is a “constant struggle” for most people, even those of us who enjoy cleaning, organizing, cooking, and gardening. There’s always more that COULD be done so we’re always left with a decision of what is most important for us and our family at that point in the day/week/month/year.
I do think homemaking is a skill we can learn and improve on (I certainly have over the years) but it still often feels like a struggle to manage everything well and do the “right” things at the right time. Not sure if that makes sense or not — my point is to let you know that you are not alone in “struggling” to manage your home. Just keep plugin away!
Chris says
Thank you. 🙂
Nancy says
I think your “one thing” is that you are successful in juggling many things “medium well.” Although some of them seem “very well” to me. You have your household running smoothly, your home is not cluttered, your family sits down together for meals and spends time together and with friends, there appear to be no feuds among either close or distant family members. I could go on but you get the idea. If you investigate I believe you would realize what a gift you are giving your family.
Andrea says
Yes Nancy! This could be my “one thing” — Juggler of All The Things
That is a true statement, and one Dave and the kids would fully agree with!
Lisa says
This is the second time you’ve mentioned Jordan, so that’s prompting me to leave a comment. He and his wife were my daughter’s teachers for the years she was Awana-aged and so just to add a personal touch to your already positive opinion of him, I can tell you that he and his family are absolute delights and exactly ones you’d love to have as family friends! He’s also a wonderful person to get into a discussion with, so I’m sure he would love to chat about your reactions to this book. I’m sure you’d enjoy his other books as well – even the ones that are more business-focused will likely make you think of how to apply what he writes to your own life circumstances. Have a lovely day!
Andrea says
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Lisa!
I was nervous as I started reading your comment as I thought you were going to tell me that Jordan was a horrible person in real life, so I breathed a sigh of relief when I finished your comment. I feel like I get a good idea of his personality from listening to his podcasts (which are very conversational and fun) so I have no doubt he would be a really fun person to talk with. Glad to have a real-life acquaintance of his confirm this too!
Lisa says
Lol, sorry to make you panic, and thanks for responding back! 🙂
Christie says
Andrea, I would say you are a master at blogging! All my kids are grown and on their own but I still love reading your blog. I wish I’d had the encouragement when mine were younger!
Andrea says
Thanks for the encouragement, Christie!
Technically speaking, I do blogging “all wrong” b/c I don’t do social media, I don’t do videos, and I offer everything for free but it works for me for now and I’m thrilled there are people who benefit from my little corner of the internet!
Michelle Fessler says
I love your “all wrong” way of blogging.
Most of the others are too complicated for my mind. Yours is simple and that is what I handle best.
Thanks for doing it “all wrong”!
Lee W. Cockrum says
I came to say basically the same as the several people below have already said. You have helped many people simplify many areas of their lives. You have created a beautiful home for your lovely family. I do admit that I feel I am doing the “thing” I was meant to to do in my life. I am a pediatric physical therapist. I love it, and I’m good at it. But I had always thought I would have children, and I was not able to. I know I’m a different level of therapist as my attention was never split between work and family. I hope that I’ve attained something in my life, even if it is not the children that I hoped for.
Stacie says
Hello! Oh I’m so glad you talked about your photo books! I’ve been meaning to go through your blog to get the info as I’m going to do this for my family and start doing it for my grandchildren! It’s such a great idea!
Andrea says
Ok good — glad to “remind” you to get going on the photo books 🙂
Speaking from experience, it feels overwhelming when you start, but my suggestion is just to start with THIS YEAR and work your way back. If you try to start at the beginning, it will feel slow and you’ll likely lose momentum before you get to the current pictures. Where if you start with current pictures that you can enjoy looking at right now, then you’ll likely be more motivated to work your way back.
Maybe this will not be the case for you, but I have “coached” many readers and friends to do it this way and they always come back to thank me!
Jeanne T says
I believe you are a master of simplicity and intentional living! Thank you for sharing and advocating for simple living. You’ve helped me a lot over the years. And for eating with the family each night, we’ve done that in my family from the start. If you are home, we eat dinner together. My daughters are in college and it still applies! 🙂 Have a great week!
Andrea says
Thanks Jeanne — I’m so glad to have helped you simplify some areas of your home and life!
And it’s so wonderful that your college-age daughter still comes back for dinner!
Barbara says
Regarding the “Master of One’ book: I have not read it. However, I think that there is a rather binary , “either/or” philosophy that can be damaging. The world needs BOTH Specialists (“Masters”) and Generalists (“Jacks/Jills of several/all trades”). To get hung up on fitting into the “Master” category is damaging to the heart and spirit. “Bloom where you are, and in whatever way is beautiful for you and yours”.
Christie says
Yes, I agree! And it doesn’t have to be “big” to be important. The world needs “masters of encouragement “ and “masters of kindness.” Those are so important yet not big in the eyes of the world.
Andrea says
I love this — and yes, I agree with both of you. We should all strive to be “masters of kindness and encouragement”
Andrea says
Thanks Barbara — I like the concept of “specialists” and “generalists”, and yes, I fall under the “generalists” category.
I’ve always (ALWAYS) considered my jill-of-all-trades personality to be an asset, so this book really rocked my perspective (in a good and bad way, I suppose).
Michelle Fessler says
I agree!
Lois says
Good morning Andrea!
I’m reading this after dropping my sister Beth off at the airport to head back to Michigan after she helped organize me this week taking tips from you! I had to respond to your blog. You are a master of one! You have helped so many of us organize our homes, closets and menus (I could go on!). I bake several times a week for friends and family and I always use your freezer method, baking when I’m able and freezing until I need the goodies. Thank you for all your help!
Beth says
Lois and I compare notes often about what we’ve learned from you! Keep up the good work!
My grands still loves their kitchen set from you!
Beth
Andrea says
haha — this is great. I didn’t even realize you both commented on her. Safe travels home Beth!
Andrea says
Hi Lois! I hope you and Beth had a fun time organizing together. I was just talking with another lady who gets together with her far-away sister 4 times per year (twice at each home) and they tackle a home project together and eat lots of great food (homemade and restaurant). They look forward to those times so they can be together, have fun, and also cross things off their to-do-someday list!
And love that you are utilizing your freezer for batching baked goods. It’s so much easier than making them fresh all the time — and really nice to always know you have something on hand.